Navigating the Thin Line: Can Acts of Good Lead to Defiance at Work? Exploring the Intricacies of OCB and CWB Dynamics

Abstract

Prior studies concluded that organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) lie on the same continuum. However, engaging in OCB does not inherently prevent engagement in CWB. This study delves into the intricate relationship between OCB and CWB, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind the moral licensing effect. Employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) from 468 employees to test the proposed hypothesis. This study revealed that OCB positive relationship with moral license. Moreover, moral license negative relationship counterproductive work behavior toward organizations (CWB-O) but a positive relationship counterproductive work behavior toward individuals (CWB-I). This study provides insights for organizational leaders and scholars to enhance their comprehension of employee behavior and inform strategies for fostering positive workplace environments while addressing the potential risks associated with moral licensing effects.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study explores how being helpful at work (organizational citizenship behavior - OCB) connects to negative actions (counterproductive work behavior - CWB). Despite the common belief that helping others prevents negativity, the findings confirm the phenomena of moral license. This study aims to help leaders and researchers actively understand employee behavior, providing insights to create positive workplaces while addressing challenges tied to this moral licensing effect.

Keywords:

• Organizational citizenship behavior
• counterproductive work behavior
• moral license

Conflict of interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).