It hurts me too! (or not?): Exploring the negative implications for abusive bosses

Area of Science:

• Organizational Behavior
• Abusive Supervision
• Psychopathy

Background:

• Most research on abusive supervision focuses on victim impact.
• This study examines the transgressor's (abusive supervisor's) response to their own misconduct.
• The concept of social worth is explored as a mediator for supervisor behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the behavioral responses of abusive supervisors following their wrongdoing.
• To investigate whether abusive supervisors adjust performance or cease future abuse.
• To examine the moderating role of psychopathy in the relationship between abusive supervision and supervisor outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Two field studies were conducted.
• Data were collected to assess supervisor behavior, social worth, and psychopathy levels.
• Statistical analyses were used to test proposed indirect and moderated effects.

Main Results:

• Abusive supervisors generally reported diminished social worth and poorer performance outcomes.
• These negative effects were more pronounced in supervisors with lower levels of psychopathy.
• Supervisors low in psychopathy were more likely to cease abusive behaviors, while high psychopathy supervisors tended to continue.

Conclusions:

• Harming subordinates negatively impacts abusive supervisors' social worth and performance, particularly for less psychopathic individuals.
• Psychopathy moderates the response to wrongdoing, with lower levels leading to greater behavioral change.
• Findings offer theoretical insights into supervisor accountability and practical implications for managing abusive behavior in the workplace.