Moderating Effect of Machiavellianism and Perceived Similarity on Cyber Incivility & its Outcomes
Neha Goel Tripathi, Vivien K. G. Lim · Academy of Management Proceedings · 2014
This study examined the moderating effects of Machiavellianism and perceived similarity to supervisor on the relationship between cyber incivility and two responses - revenge and avoidance. Our results, based on a survey of 192 employees, showed that cyber incivility was positively related to direct and indirect revenge. Machiavellianism significantly moderated the relationship between cyber incivility, and revenge and avoidance. High Machiavellians seek direct and indirect revenge against their supervisor, while low Machiavellians use avoidance as coping strategy against cyber incivility. As well, the perceived similarity between supervisor and subordinate has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between cyber incivility and (i) direct revenge, and (ii) avoidance. Individuals with high perceived similarity to supervisor used avoidance behaviors, while those with low perceived similarity engaged themselves in direct revenge to deal with cyber incivility. Implications of our findings are discussed.