Third-party reactions to counterproductive work behavior: a sensemaking perspective

Tara C. Reich, Kara Ng and Karen Niven

Chapter 34 in Handbook of Counterproductive Work Behavior, 2025, pp 616-633 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Third parties can take on various roles in relation to counterproductive work behavior (CWB), including as secondary targets, sources of information and/or intervention, and secondary perpetrators. Their reactions to CWB can be similarly varied, ranging from supporting targets to siding with perpetrators, as well as doing nothing. In the current chapter, we summarize key findings related to third-party reactions to CWB. We then draw on sensemaking theory to explain the diversity of third-party reactions and highlight the important role of perspective-taking in this process. Finally, we propose that the inherent psychological distance third parties have to incidents of CWB relative to those directly involved may allow them to act as “sense-givers” and set out an agenda for future research to explore.

Keywords: Third party; Sensemaking; Sense-giving; Perspective-taking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035306664
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