How a gratitude intervention influences workplace mistreatment: A multiple mediation model
Lauren R Locklear1, Shannon G Taylor1, Maureen L Ambrose1
1Department of Management, University of Central Florida.
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|September 17, 2020
Summary
A 10-day gratitude journaling intervention effectively reduced workplace mistreatment, including incivility and gossip. This intervention enhanced employees' self-control resources, promoting positive workplace behaviors and relationships.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Positive Psychology
- Applied Psychology
Background:
- Interpersonal mistreatment in organizations has severe negative consequences.
- Existing research offers limited practical solutions for reducing workplace misconduct.
- Gratitude cultivation strengthens relationships and encourages desired employee behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the effectiveness of a 10-day gratitude journaling intervention.
- To reduce workplace incivility, gossip, and ostracism.
- To examine the mediating mechanisms (moral affect, find-remind-and-bind, self-regulation, social exchange theories) of gratitude interventions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two field experiments with 147 and 204 employees.
- Implemented a 10-day gratitude journaling intervention.
- Measured workplace mistreatment through coworker reports and assessed self-control resources.
Main Results:
- The gratitude intervention significantly decreased interpersonal mistreatment.
- Enhanced self-control resources mediated the intervention's positive effects.
- Intervention effectiveness was stronger in workplaces with higher perceived gratitude norms.
Conclusions:
- Gratitude interventions build resources and effectively reduce workplace mistreatment.
- Cultivating gratitude offers a practical strategy for improving organizational behavior.
- Findings support the resource-building nature of gratitude and its role in mitigating negative workplace interactions.
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