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Their Pain, Our Pleasure: How and When Peer Abusive Supervision Leads to Third Parties’ Schadenfreude and Work Engagement

Author

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  • Yueqiao Qiao

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Zhe Zhang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Ming Jia

    (Northwestern Polytechnical University)

Abstract

Abusive supervision negatively affects its direct victims. However, recent studies have begun to explore how abusive supervision affects third parties (peer abusive supervision). We use the emotion-based process model of schadenfreude as a basis to suggest that third parties will experience schadenfreude and increase their work engagement as a response to peer abusive supervision (PAS). Furthermore, we suggest that the context of competitive goal interdependence facilitates the indirect relationship between PAS and third parties’ work engagement on schadenfreude. We use a mixed-method approach to test our hypotheses. Data from an experimental study conducted by facial expression analysis technology (Study 1, a 2 × 2 design, N = 104) and a multi‐wave field study (Study 2, N = 229) generally support our hypotheses. Overall, our study extends PAS literature and meaningfully informs practitioners who aim to promote ethical workplace environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yueqiao Qiao & Zhe Zhang & Ming Jia, 2021. "Their Pain, Our Pleasure: How and When Peer Abusive Supervision Leads to Third Parties’ Schadenfreude and Work Engagement," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 169(4), pages 695-711, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:169:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04315-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04315-4
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    2. Landmann, Elisa, 2023. "I can see how you feel—Methodological considerations and handling of Noldus's FaceReader software for emotion measurement," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
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    5. Zhe Zhang & Mijia Gong & Shanshan Zhang & Ming Jia, 2023. "Buffering or Aggravating Effect? Examining the Effects of Prior Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Social Irresponsibility," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(1), pages 147-163, February.
    6. Cynthia Atamba & John Kipngetich Mosonik & David Stuckler & Lincoln Jisuvei Sungu & Cornelia Melinda Adi Santoso & Halima Habuba Mohamed, 2023. "Impact of Workplace Mistreatment on Employees’ Health and Well-Being in Chinese Firms: A Systematic Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.

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