Counterproductive work behavior is not always counterproductive

Reeshad S. Dalal and Zitong Sheng

Chapter 13 in Handbook of Counterproductive Work Behavior, 2025, pp 226-244 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The conventional perspective on counterproductive work behavior (CWB)—as evidenced by the very name of the construct—is that such behavior is always counterproductive to the organization. We contend that this conventional perspective represents an inaccurate reading of existing research and provides overly simplistic recommendations to human resources practitioners. On the basis of an interdisciplinary review of relevant research literatures, we discuss a potential curvilinear relationship of CWB with benefit versus harm to the organization. We further highlight the important role of “performance episodes”—instances of CWB along with subsequent or prior instances of beneficial behavior—to better understand the relationship between CWB and organizational outcomes. We propose future research directions and practical implications associated with the perspective that CWB is not always counterproductive.

Keywords: Counterproductive work behavior; Harm; Benefit; Curvilinear; Nonlinear; Performance episode (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035306664
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