Kick the Cat: A Serial Crossover Effect of Supervisors' Ego Depletion on Subordinates' Deviant Behavior.

Xiaodong Ming,Lin Lin,Xinwen Bai

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01314

Abstract

Drawing on the crossover model and conservation of resources theory, we explore the mechanism through which supervisors’ ego depletion induces subordinates’ deviant behavior. Using the two-wave survey data from 24 supervisors and their 192 respective subordinates, we found supports for our hypotheses that (a) abusive supervision mediated the effect of supervisors’ ego depletion on subordinates’ ego depletion; (b) subordinates’ ego depletion mediated the effect of abusive supervision on subordinates’ deviant behavior; and (c) abusive supervision and subordinates’ ego depletion serially mediated the effect of supervisors’ ego depletion on subordinates’ deviant behavior. Our serial crossover model posits that both ego depletion and unethical behavior can be transmitted from supervisors to subordinates, and that these two crossover processes are entwined with each other. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical contributions and practical implications.

Highlights

Individuals are falling into the state of ego depletion in organizations due to numerous work stresses (Lian et al, 2017)
Relying on the crossover model (Westman, 2001; Bakker et al, 2009) and the conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 2001; Hobfoll et al, 2018), we propose that ego depletion could influence unethical behavior interpersonally
Serial Crossover of Ego Depletion and Unethical Behavior Based on the fore-mentioned argument, we propose a serial crossover process that consists of transmissions of both negative cognitive state and workplace deviant behavior from supervisors to their subordinates

Summary

Introduction

Individuals are falling into the state of ego depletion in organizations due to numerous work stresses (Lian et al, 2017). Under an ego depletion state, individuals lack sufficient self-control resources to control themselves to do volitional behavior (Baumeister and Vohs, 2016). They are more impulsive than under normal state. Given that unethical behavior seriously impairs the benefits of organizations, numerous studies have explored the relationship between ego depletion and unethical behavior in the workplace (e.g., Rosen et al, 2016; Yam et al, 2016; Klotz et al, 2018)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion