Unseen Yet Felt: The Ripple Effects of Workplace Ostracism Through Relational Social Capital and Psychological Distress

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of workplace ostracism, utilizing relational social capital and psychological distress as mediating variables. The relationship was analyzed through the lens of social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resources (COR) theory. The research examines the fundamental connection between workplace ostracism and both interpersonal and organizational deviance (OD). Primary data were collected using a random sampling method from employees working in the hotel industry in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The study employed SmartPLS4 to analyze the data and found that workplace ostracism, interpersonal deviance (ID), and OD have significant positive relationships. It has also been found that workplace ostracism positively impacts an organization's social life and threatens organizations seeking to cultivate a positive working environment. Moreover, the study reveals that relational social capital and psychological distress are key mechanisms underlying this relationship. Thus, the study highlights the critical need for organizations to address workplace ostracism and its negative effects on social dynamics and overall organizational health. In addition, the study shows how important relational social capital and psychological distress are in this process. It also says that encouraging open communication is key to building a strong and positive organizational culture.