An empirical study on the relationship among leader´s values, abusive supervision, and subordinates´ performance

This study extends research on factors that contribute to abusive supervision, one form of nonphysical aggression, and the results of such abuse on subordinates´ performance. We utilize research on personal values theory and general aggression model to formulate our hypotheses. Results from 206 matched leader-subordinate dyads support the idea that leader´s self-transcendence values were positively associated with subordinate perceptions of abusive supervision; leader´s conversation values were negative associated with subordinate perceptions of abusive supervision. Additionally, abusive supervision was associated with decreased subordinates´ in-role performance and out-role performance (OCB). Results also indicate that abusive supervision mediates the relationships between leader´s values and subordinates in-role performance and organizational citizenship behaviors OCB. Finally, implications for management practice and future investigations of abusive supervision are discussed.