Examining the counterproductive work behavior process: Momentary relationships among personality, affect, & situational strength

Abstract

Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is a pervasive threat to individual, organizational, and societal well being. Consequently, CWB has received a great deal of attention in scholarly research. However, recent empirical findings and theoretical developments suggest that the study and prediction of such behavior might be substantially enhanced by more closely examining the complex cognitive and affective mechanisms underlying CWB. Toward this end, the current research used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the influences of personality and situational strength on cognitive and affective states theoretically underlying CWB. Perceptions of situational strength showed significant within-person variability; and all facets of situational strength were significantly associated with state negative affect. Among those with lower standing on aggression, higher levels of constraints and consequences were positively associated with negative affective reactions. Analyses also revealed a significant indirect effect of perceived constraints on counterproductive work behavior, through state negative affect, among those higher on aggression. Theoretical, empirical, and practical implications of these findings are discussed herein.