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Perceived Overqualification and Cyberloafing: A Moderated-Mediation Model Based on Equity Theory

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  • Bao Cheng

    (Xiamen University)

  • Xing Zhou

    (Xiamen University)

  • Gongxing Guo

    (Shantou University)

  • Kezhen Yang

    (Xiamen University)

Abstract

Cyberloafing is prevalent in the workplace and research has increasingly focused on its antecedents. This study aims to extend the cyberloafing literature from the perspective of perceived overqualification (POQ) among civil servants (government employees). Drawing on equity theory, we examined the effect of POQ on cyberloafing, along with the mediating role of harmonious passion on the POQ–cyberloafing relationship and the moderating role of the need for achievement on strengthening the link between POQ and harmonious passion. Using time-lagged data from a sample of 318 civil servants in China, we found that (1) POQ was positively related to cyberloafing; (2) harmonious passion mediated this relationship; (3) the need for achievement moderated the effect of POQ on harmonious passion as well as the indirect effect of POQ on cyberloafing via harmonious passion. Based on the findings, we discussed theoretical and managerial implications and provided future research avenues.

Suggested Citation

  • Bao Cheng & Xing Zhou & Gongxing Guo & Kezhen Yang, 2020. "Perceived Overqualification and Cyberloafing: A Moderated-Mediation Model Based on Equity Theory," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 164(3), pages 565-577, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:164:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-018-4026-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-018-4026-8
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yejun Zhang & Mark C. Bolino & Kui Yin, 2023. "The Interactive Effect of Perceived Overqualification and Peer Overqualification on Peer Ostracism and Work Meaningfulness," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(3), pages 699-716, January.
    3. Ibrahim Alnawas & Nabil Ghantous & Jane Hemsley-Brown, 2023. "Can CSR foster brand defense? A moderated-mediation model of the role of brand passion," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 30(3), pages 190-206, May.
    4. Deepika Mishra & Natasha Tageja, 2022. "Cyberslacking for Coping Stress? Exploring the Role of Mindfulness as Personal Resource," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 56-67, December.
    5. Bao Cheng & Yun Dong & Zhenduo Zhang & Ahmed Shaalan & Gongxing Guo & Yan Peng, 2022. "When Targets Strike Back: How Negative Workplace Gossip Triggers Political Acts by Employees," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 175(2), pages 289-302, January.
    6. Mengmeng Song & Joseph Ugrin & Man Li & Jinnan Wu & Shanshan Guo & Wenpei Zhang, 2021. "Do Deterrence Mechanisms Reduce Cyberloafing When It Is an Observed Workplace Norm? A Moderated Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-16, June.
    7. Zhuolin She & Quan Li, 2023. "When Too Little or Too Much Hurts: Evidence for a Curvilinear Relationship Between Cyberloafing and Task Performance in Public Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(4), pages 1141-1158, April.
    8. Maria Piotrowska, 2022. "Job attributes affect the relationship between perceived overqualification and retention," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-29, December.
    9. Marc Ohana & Ghulam Murtaza & Inam ul Haq & Esraa Al-Shatti & Zhang Chi, 2024. "Why and When can CSR toward Employees Lead to Cyberloafing? The Role of Workplace Boredom and Moral Disengagement," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(1), pages 133-148, January.
    10. Chang-Lan Xia & Tung-Ju Wu & An-Pin Wei & Pei-Guan Wu, 2020. "Are Chinese Entrepreneurs Happier than Employees? Evidence Based on a National Workforce Survey in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-21, December.
    11. Jian Tian & Yan Peng & Xing Zhou, 2020. "The Effects of Abusive Supervision and Motivational Preference on Employees’ Innovative Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-15, October.
    12. Muddassar Sarfraz & Kausar Fiaz Khawaja & Um-e-Farwah, 2024. "Is the internet a double-edged sword for organizations? An empirical study on cyberloafing," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 319-333, December.

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