Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Dysfunctional Customer Behavior, Employee Service Sabotage, and Sustainability: Can Social Support Make a Difference?
Jinsoo Hwang1, Yekyoung Yoo2, Insin Kim3
1The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Korea.
Abstract:
In a restaurant industry, dysfunctional customer behavior damages customer-contact service employees' mental health which may lead to employee defection. This study examined the effects of dysfunctional customer behavior on service employees' service sabotage which is a mechanisms for protecting themselves from outside pressures. Additionally, it determined if emotional exhaustion plays a mediating role in the relationship between dysfunctional customer behavior and employees' service sabotage and verified the moderating role of social support. The proposed model was tested empirically using the data from 329 restaurant customer-contact service employees in South Korea. The results indicated that dysfunctional customer behavior increased the incidence of employees' service sabotage. Moreover, emotional exhaustion was a significant mediator in the link from dysfunctional customer behavior to employees' service sabotage. In addition, social support moderated the effects of dysfunctional customer behavior on service sabotage. This study provides insights into the effects of dysfunctional customer behavior and methods of supporting employees socially.
Related Concept Videos
Impact of Individuals on Individuals
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
Social Loafing

