MOBBING AT BANKS: Moderating Effect of Negative Emotions on the Relationship between Mobbing and Turnover Intention

Abstract

While it is not always possible to prevent mobbing in organizations, individuals can be empowered to cope with it by regulating emotions. The purpose of this study was to explore mobbing and turnover intention in banking sector and to examine the moderating effect of negative emotions. Survey approach and free association technique were used with participants who were 164 bank employees in Istanbul, Turkey. Findings revealed that prevalence of mobbing is 30%. The most frequent aggressive behaviors are threats to individual’s personal and work reputation. As the environment is perceived more negative, perceived mobbing increases. With the high levels of mobbing negative emotions increase and turnover intentions arise. Negative emotions moderated the relationship between mobbing and turnover intention. Employees with high negative emotions showed more turnover intention when mobbing increased. Effective coping with mobbing is essential for individuals and organizations since it increases negative affect and turnover intentions in employees. This findings also underlines the importance of anti-bullying policies. To our knowledge, this paper examined the moderating effect of negative emotions on the relationship between mobbing and turnover for the first time.