When and how is abusive supervision enacted toward competent subordinates? The role of supervisors' power loss concern and downward envy

Abstract

In general, supervisor abuse is directed toward low-performing subordinates. Similarly, envy is typically felt by professionals in lower ranks toward those in higher positions. By contrast, this study investigates the counterintuitive relationship between the abusive behavior of envious leaders toward their competent subordinates. Specifically, we argue that supervisors become envious of competent employees when they are anxious about losing power. Multisource, time-lagged data collected from dyads (198 supervisors and 198 subordinates) in Pakistan-based organizations support the proposed hypotheses. The findings show a positive relationship between perceptions of subordinate competence, supervisors' downward envy, and abusive supervision. In addition, the relationship between perceived subordinates' competence and supervisors' envy is strong when supervisors' power loss concerns are high. This study provides useful theoretical and practical insights for human resource managers dealing with unethical workplace behavior.