The neuroscience of counterproductive work behavior

Yannick Griep and Richelle Mychasiuk

Chapter 30 in Handbook of Counterproductive Work Behavior, 2025, pp 545-559 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) encompass voluntary actions by employees that potentially harm an organization or its stakeholders. These behaviors, including theft, substance use, sabotage, and absenteeism, are extensive and often linked to negative conduct like retaliation, aggression, or incivility. Estimates suggest that CWBs cost organizations globally billions of dollars. Despite extensive research on CWBs’ various forms, antecedents, and consequences, the question of what motivates such negative behavior has largely relied on self-reported data, leaving the actual neural mechanisms unexplored. This review explores the potential contribution of neuroscience to understanding CWBs, drawing on related disciplines and innovative neuroscientific techniques such as advanced neuroimaging and electroencephalography. The authors advocate for incorporating neurobehavioral preclinical modeling, including rodent studies, to investigate the neuropathological mechanisms driving CWBs. By integrating preclinical and clinical research, the review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the neurological underpinnings of CWBs and suggest avenues for future research.

Keywords: Counterproductive work behaviors; Neural mechanisms; Neuroscience; Neurobehavioral; Neurobiology; Gene expression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035306664
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