Oral Presentation by Filiz Meidrodt¹, Stefan Diestel¹, Wladislaw Rivkin²
¹ University of Wuppertal, Germany ² Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
TIME: Wednesday, 15 July, 14:30 – 16:00
Location: Room 2
Session: 14
Abstract
Neoliberal beliefs emphasizing competition and self-reliance increasingly shape modern work environments, yet little is known about how these beliefs shape employees’ behaviour and well-being. Based on recent research showing that organizational cues (e.g., competition, norms of self-interest) foster Machiavellian tendencies and on the self-interest perspective of unethical pro-organizational behaviour (UPB) we propose that perceived neoliberalism promotes Machiavellianism among employees which in turn fosters UPB. Besides these potentially negative ethical effects harming others (e.g., clients), we additionally argue, based on Conservation of Resources Theory and research linking Machiavellianism with heightened job strain, that Machiavellianism will also foster emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, we suggest that explicit power motive tendencies amplify the positive relationship between perceived neoliberalism and Machiavellianism, as power-oriented employees might be particularly sensitive to social cues embedded in neoliberal work environments that focus on competition and individual success. To test our proposed research model, data was acquired via a longitudinal study with four measurement points in the UK (N = 392). Based on Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modelling we found empirical support for our hypotheses: perceived neoliberalism predicted Machiavellianism and this effect was amplified as a function of power motive. Additionally, Machiavellianism mediated the effect of perceived neoliberalism on emotional exhaustion and unethical pro-organizational behaviour. Notably, the indirect effect of perceived neoliberalism on the outcomes was nonsignificant at low levels of the power motive, but significant at medium and high levels. Thus, our study provides initial insights that perceived neoliberal beliefs foster Machiavellian tendencies within employees, particularly among individuals with a stronger power motive. These tendencies than increase both UPB and emotional exhaustion, making neoliberalism not only an ethical concern in organizations but also posing a risk to employees’ psychological well-being.