Suffering Silence While Exposed to Workplace Bullying: The Role of Psychological Contract Violation, Benevolent Behavior and Positive Psychological Capital

Abstract

Becoming impediment to organizational functioning in several ways, the prevalence of workplace bullying costs much to organizations. As in the current transition phase of Pakistan, the intentions to leave doesn’t manifest in actual turnover rates. Hence the current study is conducted to analyze the passive coping strategies of employees in the face of workplace bullying. It is theorized that the relationship is mediated by psychological contract violation. Moreover, it is predicted that the process of mediation is stronger for individuals who report high levels of benevolent behavior and perceives psychological capital to be low. Data is collected from 359 young doctors and nurses of three government administered hospitals. Results indicate a significant bullying-silence relationship where psychological contract violation plays a role of partial mediator. Moreover, benevolence and PsyCap are powerful moderators to alter the already established relationship. Conclusions of the current study are further elaborated in terms of their practical contribution and future directions. Workplace bullying is an organizational reality. Hence efforts to make an entire bullying-free environment is next to impossible. So, in addition to make an effort in ending up this maltreatment, managers must limit its consequences by understanding its dynamics. Reduce the bullying culture and save precious resources i.e. potential employees.