Resource Depletion Perspective on the Link Between Abusive Supervision and Safety Behaviors

Xiao Yuan, Yaoshan Xu () and Yongjuan Li
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Xiao Yuan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yaoshan Xu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yongjuan Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Journal of Business Ethics, 2020, vol. 162, issue 1, No 13, 213-228

Abstract: Abstract Leader behavior significantly influences employees’ safety performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of abusive supervision on the safety behaviors of subordinates. By drawing on the strength model of self-control, we predicted that abusive supervision would negatively affect safety behaviors through emotional exhaustion, and trait self-control and attentional bias toward safety would moderate the relationship between abusive supervision, emotional exhaustion, and safety behaviors. Our hypothesized model was supported by results from a sample of 159 workers at a chemical product manufacturing enterprise in China. Emotional exhaustion mediated the link between abusive supervision and safety behaviors. Moreover, trait self-control moderated the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion, and attentional bias toward safety moderated the relationship between emotional exhaustion and safety compliance. This study elucidates the effects of abusive supervision on safety behaviors through the resource depletion process. Likewise, the importance of trait self-control and attentional bias toward safety in mitigating the potentially harmful effects of abusive supervision in workplace safety is highlighted. Minimizing abusive supervision, providing self-control training, and implementing safety-specific implicit cognition intervention can effectively improve employees’ safety behaviors.

Keywords: Abusive supervision; Attentional bias toward safety; Safety behavior; Self-control resource (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-018-3983-2

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