The Role of Discrete Negative Emotions in Predicting the Behavior of Misusing Time and Resources in Business Organisations in India

Abstract

Counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) are the deviant behaviors ofemployees that violate the organisational norms, and in turn harm theorganisation or its members. Misuse of time and resources (MTR), a form ofCWB is of increasing concern to business organisations world-wide. Suchbehaviors are mainly aimed at the organisations than the individuals,restricting productive time on the job and inappropriate or unauthorized use oforganisational resources. Extant literature informs that these behaviors arecaused by stressful work conditions mediated by negative emotions. However,the extant literature does not adequately consider multiple discrete emotions tostudy CWB. This study examines the influence of discrete negative emotions onmisuse of time and resources in the context of manufacturing and IT firms inIndia. It contributes to theory by linking individual emotions to the deviantbehaviors relevant to misuse of time and resources. Finally, the managerialimplications derived from the study helps to understand employees’ emotionalstates and their possible consequences.KeywordsMisuse of time and resources; Counterproductive work behavior; Time theft;Time banditry; Withdrawal