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Abusive Supervision and Contextual Performance: The Mediating Role of Emotional Exhaustion and the Moderating Role of Work Unit Structure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Samuel Aryee
Affiliation:
Aston University, UK
Li-Yun Sun
Affiliation:
Macau University of Science and Technology, China
Zhen Xiong George Chen
Affiliation:
The Australian National University, Australia
Yaw A. Debrah
Affiliation:
Swansea University, UK

Abstract

This study examined the processes linking abusive supervision to employee contextual performance by focusing on the mediating influence of emotional exhaustion and the moderating influence of work unit structure. Data were obtained from 285 subordinate–supervisor dyads from three manufacturing companies in north-eastern China. The results revealed that: (i) emotional exhaustion mediated the relationships between abusive supervision and the contextual performance dimensions of interpersonal facilitation and job dedication; and (ii) work unit structure moderated these relationships such that the relationships were stronger in mechanistic than in organic work unit structures.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © International Association for Chinese Management Research 2008

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