Abstract
Deviance theory introduces a behavioural view on constructive and destructive deviance to explain how an individual’s intent can harm or improve organisational well-being. However, to our knowledge, no scale exists that evaluates the personal orientation aspect of deviance and normativity. This article discusses the creation of the Norm and Deviance-Seeking Personal Orientation Scale (NDPOS). To create this scale, we studied the psychometric properties of the instrument using data from French workers. NDPOS exploratory analysis indicated a 12-item scale composed of four factors: normative conformity, normative rule adequacy, deviant performance seeking, and deviant proactivity seeking. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the factorial structure in four sub-scales. Convergent and discriminant validity indicated that deviant dimensions were positively related to expressing voice, cognitive flexibility, and deviant behaviours, whereas normativity dimensions were negatively or not related to these behaviours. Furthermore, opposite relations between the conformity construct and the four factors were observed. Practical implications and suggestions for the development of future research on constructive deviance theory are discussed.
Highlights
The theme of deviance in work and organisational psychology has been extensively studied (e.g. Bennett & Robinson, 2000; Spreitzer & Sonenshein, 2004)
The Norm and Deviance-Seeking Personal Orientation Scale (NDPOS) was composed of four potential subscales related to normative and deviant personal orientation
A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the fourfactor structure of the 12-item scale obtained in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) analysis
Summary
The theme of deviance in work and organisational psychology has been extensively studied (e.g. Bennett & Robinson, 2000; Spreitzer & Sonenshein, 2004). Adapted to the Organisational Context dimensions (Galperin, 2012; Robinson & Bennett, 1995; Vadera et al, 2013), neglecting the personal orientation aspect. The latter aspect should be further studied, as it would make it possible to analyse the processes underlying the emergence of deviant, change, and innovative behaviours; this is not possible with the current behavioural approaches. The factors relating to deviant and normative personal orientation should be studied to provide a better understanding of the intentional process that leads to behavioural choices. No study adapted to the workplace offers tools for assessing normativity and deviance from an orientation perspective
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