Instrumental Counter Productive Work Behavior and the Theory of Planned Behavior: A “Cold Cognitive” Approach to Complement “Hot Affective” Theories of CWB
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
1-2010
Abstract
Many theories explain counterproductive work behavior (including the authors' own body of work) as largely affective responses to work conditions, such as constraints, demands, injustice, and interpersonal conflict. Emotion-based theories of CWB, including Stressor-Emotion, Justice, Revenge, Retaliation, Affective Events, and Attributional approaches, explain Reactive CWB. However, some kinds of CWB do not fit in that approach, and may be better characterized as instrumental—that is based on "cold" cognitions, plans, and personal or professional strategies. Instrumental behaviors may also cut across the typical categories of CWB, such as stealing from one's employer or bullying subordinates or coworkers. The key distinction is that these behaviors are not (or not immediately) responses to affective states or experiences, but rather instrumental acts directed toward achieving planned objectives.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Instrumental Counter Productive Work Behavior and the Theory of Planned Behavior: A "Cold Cognitive" Approach to Complement "Hot Affective" Theories of CWB, in L. L. Neider & C. A. Schriesheim (Eds.), Research in Management. The "Dark" Side of Management, IAP Information Age Publishing, p. 93-114.
Scholar Commons Citation
Fox, Suzy and Spector, Paul E., "Instrumental Counter Productive Work Behavior and the Theory of Planned Behavior: A “Cold Cognitive” Approach to Complement “Hot Affective” Theories of CWB" (2010). Psychology Faculty Publications. 594.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/psy_facpub/594
