Peer Abusive Supervison and Newcomer Organizational Socialization: A Moderated Mediation

Abstract

This study examined how and when witnessing peer abusive supervision influences newcomers’ socialization outcomes. We drew from the social information processing theory to explore the relationship between witnessing peer abusive supervision and newcomers’ socialization outcomes, and regarded newcomers’ information-seeking behavior as the mediator. Through applying the interactionist perspective, we also theorized how this relationship is moderated by newcomers’ future work self. We collected data at three time points from newcomers and their managers at a drug store chain in Northern China. Consistent with our theoretical framework, the results revealed that newcomers witnessing peer abusive supervision was negatively related to their information-seeking behaviors, with newcomers’ future work self salience moderating this relationship. Moreover, newcomers’ information-seeking behaviors acted as the mediator in the negative relationship between newcomers witnessing peer abusive supervision and their socialization outcomes. We discussed the implications of our research for future theory and practice in regard to abusive supervision and newcomer socialization.