When and How Underdog Expectations Promote Cheating Behavior: The Roles of Need Fulfillment and General Self-efficacy

Teng Iat Loi (), Zhiyu Feng (), Kristine M. Kuhn () and Thomas M. Tripp ()
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Teng Iat Loi: Washington State University
Zhiyu Feng: Renmin University of China
Kristine M. Kuhn: Washington State University
Thomas M. Tripp: Washington State University

Journal of Business Ethics, 2022, vol. 181, issue 2, No 7, 375-395

Abstract: Abstract Extant research has demonstrated that underdog expectations—individuals’ perceptions that others view them as unlikely to succeed—can have positive implications for motivating performance. In this paper, we draw on self-determination theory to examine how and when underdog expectations can have detrimental consequences for both the employee and the organization. Specifically, we propose that underdog expectations can decrease employees’ need fulfillment, which in turn leads to more cheating behavior. Furthermore, we theorize that the indirect effect of underdog expectations on cheating behavior via need fulfillment is weaker when general self-efficacy is high than when it is low. Results from two studies using complementary designs support our predictions. Overall, our research demonstrates a potential dark side to underdog expectations and also contributes to the behavioral ethics literature.

Keywords: Underdog; Low expectation; Cheating behavior; Need fulfillment; Self-determination theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-04976-0

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