WHEN ABUSIVE SUPERVISION BREAKS EXPECTATIONS: TURNOVER INTENTIONS AS A PATHWAY TO LOWER SUPERVISOR-RATED PERFORMANCE, ALTRUISM, AND PROMOTABILITY

Authors

  • Joshua Mitchell Tuskegee University, AL, USA
  • Kenneth J. Harris Indiana University Southeast, IN, USA
  • Tina Camba Athens State University, AL, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58885/ijbe.v11i1.192.jm

Keywords:

abusive supervision, turnover intentions, supervisor-rated outcomes, expectancy violation theory, and withdrawal

Abstract

Purpose — Drawing on expectation violations theory and social exchange theory, this paper examines whether perceptions of abusive supervision, when mediated by turnover intentions, lead to lower ratings of subordinate job-related performance, altruism, and promotability as rated by the supervisor.

Design/methodology — A dyadic survey design was employed with 171 employees. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings — The results revealed that abusive supervision, as rated by subordinates, is associated with lower supervisor-rated job performance, altruism, and subordinates' promotability.

Practical Implications — The authors illustrate the need to identify instances of abusive supervision, to provide stricter oversight of employee evaluations and promotions, and to embed non-abusive leadership traits, such as ethical and respectful behavior, into selection and promotion criteria.

Originality/Value — The study is among the first to analyze the integrative role of expectation violation theory and social exchange theory to explain the potential downstream consequences of abusive supervision.

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Published

2026-07-27

How to Cite

Joshua Mitchell, Kenneth J. Harris, & Tina Camba. (2026). WHEN ABUSIVE SUPERVISION BREAKS EXPECTATIONS: TURNOVER INTENTIONS AS A PATHWAY TO LOWER SUPERVISOR-RATED PERFORMANCE, ALTRUISM, AND PROMOTABILITY. International Journal of Business & Economics (IJBE), 11(1), 192–204. https://doi.org/10.58885/ijbe.v11i1.192.jm

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