Understanding Counterproductive Work Behavior : Aggressive Employees' Responses to Leader-Member Exchange

Abstract

This study provides further understanding of the integrative model of counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Specifically, it examined the antecedents of counterproductive work behavior as a function of both traits (i.e., aggression) and situational factors (leader-member exchange). Utilizing the channeling model proposed by Frost and colleagues (2007), trait aggression was evaluated using both explicit (i.e., self-report) and implicit (i.e., conditional reasoning) measures. As with previous research, there was a significant interaction between implicit and explicit aggression in relation to endorsements of CWB. Moreover, although LMX out-group relationships were more strongly associated with perceptions of unfairness, in-group LMX relationships were more strongly associated with endorsements of CWB. Furthermore, this effect was enhanced when participants were implicitly aggressive. Implications for practice and research are discussed.