Document Type
Article
Abstract
Purpose. We explored whether trait and state mindfulness alters the relationship between abusive supervision and interactional justice perceptions, which then predicts supervisor-directed retaliation. Design. Study 1 examined these relationships among 230 employees using a cross-sectional survey design. Study 2 further examined these relationships among 263 undergraduate students using a scenario-based, experimental laboratory study. Findings. In Study 1, counter to predictions, individuals who were higher in trait mindfulness were most likely to view an abusive supervisor as unfair. Exploratory analyses suggested that this effect was isolated to the mindfulness dimension of being highly attentive to moment-to-moment experiences. Study 2 replicated this effect with state mindfulness (specifically, attention to one’s present moment). Originality/Value. Little research has been done on how mindfulness affects perceptions of and reactions to abusive supervisors. We expected mindfulness could reduce the negative effect of supervisor abuse on interactional justice perceptions, as well as the effect of interactional injustice on retaliation. However, within the context of abusive supervision, training individuals to become more mindful may actually predict lower levels of interactional justice, resulting in more supervisor-directed retaliation. Practical Implications. Organizations should consider how mindfulness interventions might not always be useful—and potentially counterproductive—for affecting perceptions of and reactions to some stressful work situations like abusive supervision.
DOI
10.1108/JMP-11-2018-0505
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Recommended Citation
Burton, J.P. & Barber, L.K. (2019). The role of mindfulness in response to abusive supervision. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 34: 339-352.
Original Citation
Burton, J.P. & Barber, L.K. (2019). The role of mindfulness in response to abusive supervision. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 34: 339-352.
Department
Department of Management
Legacy Department
Department of Management
Language
eng
Comments
© Emerald Publishing Limited. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the Journal of Managerial Psychology. Please do not copy or cite without authors permission. The official document is available via its DOI: doi.org/10.1108/JMP-11-2018-0505