Counter-Productive Work Behaviors: Why Do They Do It?

Abstract

This chapter looks at the motivational factors that affect the behavior of employees at work. McClelland provides a basis which puts all motivation into context; Herzberg’s early theory provides an understanding of the conditions that affect employee levels of satisfaction. This is followed by an explanation of equity theory that stresses the importance of “perceived fairness” on employee motivation. The section on justice at work sets this into the context of the workplace and explains why organizations need to have procedures in place to foster the impression that they are interested in justice. The chapter also looks at individual traits which make individuals more prone to engage in CWBs. The section on Persuaders identifies the role of external individuals on the motivation of insiders who commit CWBs. The section on motivational context brings the text on individual traits and Persuaders together, identifying the three overlapping fields of motivation that impact on the behavior of insiders. Theories about specific CWBs are provided, and the chapter concludes with six case studies.