Perceived Psychological Contract Breach and Counterproductive Work Behaviour: A Mediated Role of Revenge Among Academics

Michael Tonneey Kwaku TODOKO; Crispen CHIPUNZA; Lineo DZANSI; Samson ADEWUMI

Authors

Michael Tonneey Kwaku TODOKO Central University of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5993-1261
Crispen CHIPUNZA Central University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9823-6112
Lineo DZANSI Central University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4972-5075
Samson ADEWUMI University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4156-0971

Keywords:

psychological contract breach; counterproductive work behavior; revenge; academics; higher institutions of learning

Abstract

The relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is a significant construct in organizational psychology and Human Resource Management. However, evidence on this relationship in the context of the higher education sector is missing in the available literature. The mediating role of revenge in the relationship between perceived PCB and CWBs has remained unexamined. Through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), this study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the mediating role of revenge in the relationship between perceived PCB and CWBs among academics in higher institutions of learning. A structured self-reported questionnaire with closed-ended questions and a survey sampling technique was used to collect data from 716 academics in selected Technical Universities in Ghana. The results established a positive and significant relationship between PCB and revenge. PCB and revenge feeling had a positive significant effect on both individually and organizationally focused counterproductive work behaviors (CWB-I and CWB-O). Revenge partially mediates the relationship between PCB and CWB-I and CWB-O. Consistently, the effect of revenge feeling and PCB on CWB-I is greater than on CWB-O. Based on the findings, practical implications towards promoting a harmonious and productive work environment are discussed.

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Perceived Psychological Contract Breach and Counterproductive Work Behaviour: A Mediated Role of Revenge Among Academics

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