Investigating the Dimensionality of Counterproductive Work Behavior

• Published in: International journal of selection and assessment Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 30 - 42
• Main Authors: Gruys, Melissa L., Sackett, Paul R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK and Boston, USA Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2003
• ISSN: 0965-075X; 1468-2389
• DOI: 10.1111/1468-2389.00224

The study investigated the dimensionality of counterproductive work behavior (CWB) by examining the relationships between various counterproductive behaviors. Utilizing a university alumni sample (N = 343), data was collected through both self–report and direct judgments of the likelihood of co–occurrence. Eleven categories of CWB were examined: (1) Theft and Related Behavior; (2) Destruction of Property; (3) Misuse of Information; (4) Misuse of Time and Resources; (5) Unsafe Behavior; (6) Poor Attendance; (7) Poor Quality Work; (8) Alcohol Use; (9) Drug Use; (10) Inappropriate Verbal Actions; and (11) Inappropriate Physical Actions. CWB items and categories were generally positively related. Multidimensional scaling analysis suggests that the CWB categories vary on two dimensions: an Interpersonal–Organizational dimension and a Task Relevance dimension.