The Dark Side of Extra Role Behaviors: Investigating the Link between Extra-role and Counterproductive Behaviors in Organizations using Moral Licensing Theory

Abstract

Most researches in the organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) field illustrate a wide range of positive outcomes for both employees and organizations. Some studies have investigated the other side of the coin, as well as the dark side of OCBs and the tendencies of these kinds of behaviors to increase deviant and counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Nowadays, investigations about counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) and the finding of their causes is crucial for organizations. Sometimes the causes of CWBs are clarified, but sometimes extra-role behaviors such as OCBs, which have a negative relation with CWBs as well as organizational culture, can contribute to the formation of counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). In this paper, by considering moral licensing theory and effects of abusive climate in organizations, as well as dysfunctional culture dimensions, I discuss how employees who engage in OCB may subsequently participate in counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs).