FACTORS INFLUENCING COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR in PAKISTANI ORGANISATIONS * Iram Tahir, Akhtar Baloch & Sobia Shujaat Abstract
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FACTORS INFLUENCING COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR IN PAKISTANI ORGANISATIONS * Iram Tahir, Akhtar Baloch & Sobia Shujaat Abstract This paper attempts to investigate the prevalence of interpersonal workplace aggression (IWA), organisational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) and counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) among employees in Pakistani organisations. Interpersonal workplace aggression, organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours were measured through adopted instruments, after establishing the validity of measures. The population of the study included private sector organisations in Pakistan. Data was collected by administering close-ended questionnaires to a sample of 123 respondents, selected through convenience sampling design. Data were analysed, using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regressions statistical tools. The results indicated significant positive relationship between IWA and counterproductive work behaviours, whereas, significant negative relationship was found between organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours. The study’s implications, limitations and directions for future studies are discussed. Key Words: Interpersonal Workplace Aggression, Counterproductive Work Behaviours, Organisational Citizenship Behaviours. Introduction nterpersonal workplace aggression (IWA) has been identified as a major I negative organisational occurrence that has the potential to create a verbally and physically abusive environment for employees in an organisation, either through direct or indirect aggressive behaviours. Studies have looked at IWAs in the context of personality trait1 as well as organisational predictors2, and even gender.3 However, notwithstanding the causes of aggressive behaviour in organisations, it has been found to result *Ms Iram Tahir is a PhD Scholar, Department of Public Administration University of Karachi. Dr Akhtar Baloch is Vice Chancellor Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, Karachi. Ms Sobia Shujaat is Assistant Professor, Department of Management Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad. ISSRA Papers Volume-X, Issue-I, 2018 140 IRAM TAHIR, AKHTAR BALOCH & SOBIA SHUJAAT in emotional and mental damage for the targets as well as aggressors. It has also been found to be a major cause of several negative outcomes for organisations, when targets look to escape the aggression, and when that is not possible, to retaliate in like manner.4 One outcome of interpersonal workplace aggression is the manifestation of counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) directed at the organisation and the individuals within the organisation, and these have been found to have important sociological, emotional, psychological and economical outcomes for the organisations and its employees.5 Rather, CWBs are dysfunctional behaviours having consequences for the individuals as well as the organisation, where they work. Dysfunctional behaviours not only violate organisational norms, but also affect its productivity and profitability via the adverse effects experienced by employees.6 Counterproductive work behaviours is one such individual dysfunctional behavioural outcome, having costly consequences for organisations. This also creates a stressful environment for employees, directly and indirectly, leading to poor job outcomes and poor workplace relationships. Moreover, low self-esteem, lack of confidence and physical disease are also outcomes of CWBs.7 While considering the psychological capital within the context of organisational life, organisational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) are another critically important element, and are likely to have a strong effect on the manner in which employees display their organisational and occupational loyalty. Organisational citizenship behaviours are discretionary behaviours exhibited by employees in response to enhanced job experiences, strong interpersonal workplace relationships and attachment to the job and the organisation. These OCBs are diametrically opposed to CWBs, and when employees engage in one, they withhold the other. Seen in the context of aggression in the workplace, when employees engage in CWBs, they are likely to withhold their OCBs as a retaliatory response as well. ISSRA Papers Volume-X, Issue-I, 2018 FACTORS INFLUENCING COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK 141 The present study aims to develop an understanding of the presence of IWA in corporate sector organisations of Pakistan and the effects that the presence and frequency of aggression has on CWBs that employees engage in. Furthermore, within this scheme, the study also aims to examine the relationship between CWBs and OCBs in the presence of IWA. Literature Review IWAs (Interpersonal Workplace Aggression) are elements of organisational behaviour that are perpetuated and tolerated either due to the cultural acceptance of elements, or due to fear of retribution from powers that be, or both.8 Research suggests that aggression in workplaces and the consequences include a wide range of behaviours that are mainly intended to harm another person, and includes verbal aggression, rumour mongering, making obscene gestures, making open verbal and physical threats, withholding information necessary for a person to do their jobs effectively, etc.9 This has resulted in the phenomenon becoming a major point of concern for individuals and managers both.10 Interpersonal Workplace Aggression can be attributed a number of terminologies, including abusive supervision, such as display of hostile verbal and non- verbal behaviours by supervisors, though it does not include physical aggression.11 It also includes workplace bullying, such as subjecting a defenceless victim to sustained negative acts in a workplace;12 and incivility, including rude and discourteous behaviours aimed at a disregard of mutual respect.13 Social undermining including behaviours that are intended to retard the development of positive relationships, success and reputation at the workplace are also included within this context.14 These behaviours inevitably lead to the development and exercise of deviant behaviours within organisations, aimed at other employees as well as the organisation. Other such behaviors include rude behaviours, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover intentions, etc. Research has established that experiencing high levels of workplace aggression leads to certain undesirable behavioural outcomes in ISSRA Papers Volume-X, Issue-I, 2018 142 IRAM TAHIR, AKHTAR BALOCH & SOBIA SHUJAAT retaliation, including Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWBs) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviours (OCBs). Counterproductive work behaviours refer to any actions taken by employees that are intended to harm individuals in the organisation or bring harm to the organisation itself. Also included in this is any harmful effect to the work that these employees are entrusted with.15 Organisational citizenship behaviours are affected in the sense that victims of aggression may withdraw courteous, discretionary or cooperative behaviours that are not necessarily a part of their job description, but are critical to the development of a cordial and healthy workplace environment. In extreme cases of workplace aggression, victims of aggression also engage in job search behaviours, by actively looking for alternative opportunities to escape the aggression they experience at the workplace. These outcomes are further intensified, if a person of authority is undertaking the perpetuation of aggression within an organisation, such as a manager or supervisor. Also, in such cases, there is a tendency for the target of aggression to release his/her frustration in other ways than through direct retaliation, which could be damaging to others in the organisation, the reputation of the organisation, and the quality of work being performed by the victim.16 For most targets of interpersonal aggression in general, and aggressive supervision in particular, the final, or even at times, the only response is to leave the organisation and look for another job elsewhere, but for this behaviour to manifest itself in victims of aggression, it is essential that they experience aggression on a regular basis. Turnover is an effective behaviour for escaping interpersonal aggression, but if these aggressive episodes occur infrequently, most people would not engage in job search behaviours.17 Emotions occupy a central position in such deviant behaviours in response to emotional stressors such as workplace aggression.18 Employees perceive and appraise situations at their workplaces and develop responses accordingly. Behaviours and situations that generate a negative emotion ISSRA Papers Volume-X, Issue-I, 2018 FACTORS INFLUENCING COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK 143 within employees ultimately generate undesirable responses, such as CWBs. The degree and frequency of these deviant workplace behaviours are directly influenced by the degree of control that employees perceive they have on the situation, and those who perceive that they have a fair degree of control are less likely to view these situations as stressors and engage in deviant behaviours. Another important factor here is the personality of the victim; people develop their responses to aggression based on the strength of their personalities and their ability to manage stressful situations as well.19 CWBs cost organisations, employees and productivity, high turnover and increased work stress, and a generally negative workplace environment that creates