From Harm to Harmful Acts: How Childhood Maltreatment Drives Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior at Work

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant early-life experience that shapes cognitive, emotional, and moral development, influencing ethical decision-making in adulthood. While previous research has examined the impact of CM on personal and social behavior, its role in unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) remains underexplored. UPB refers to unethical actions employees undertake to benefit their organization, often rationalized through moral disengagement (MD). This study investigates the link between CM and UPB, emphasizing MD as a mediator and parenting quality (PAQ) as a moderator. A multi-wave survey (n = 836) revealed a strong positive relationship between CM and UPB, confirming that individuals with a history of CM are more likely to engage in unethical behavior in the workplace. Furthermore, MD was identified as a key psychological mechanism driving this relationship. Surprisingly, the results showed a paradoxical moderating effect of PAQ. While positive parenting is generally associated with ethical development, in this context, high PAQ intensified the association between CM and UPB, suggesting that individuals with both childhood adversity and strong parental involvement may develop moral flexibility that justifies unethical actions. This study advances the understanding of CM by exploring its long-term effects and the psychological mechanisms that drive UPB in the workplace. The findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed ethical training, workplace policies that promote moral accountability, and leadership strategies to mitigate the ethical risks linked to childhood adversity.