How does exploitative leadership shape employee's workplace venting?

Purpose-Drawing on affective events theory, this study investigates the multilevel effect of exploitative leadership on employee's workplace venting. We also test the mediating effect of negative emotions and the moderating effect of supervisor's organizational embodiment (SOE) on the relationship between the two constructs. Design/methodology/approach-The surveys were conducted in three waves. First, we administered questionnaires to 576 employees across 114 teams to assess the respondents' perception of exploitative leadership and SOE, and received 435 completed questionnaires. Two weeks later, we sent a follow-up questionnaire to the responding individuals to rate their negative emotions, and received 396 responses. After two additional weeks, we administered a questionnaire to the direct supervisors of these 396 employees to rate the employees' workplace venting. In total, 344 matched employee–supervisor questionnaires (from 73 teams) were obtained, with a response rate of 59.72%. Findings-The results reveal that exploitative leadership is positively related to employee workplace venting; not only directly, but also indirectly, by facilitating negative emotions. In addition, SOE moderates the effects of exploitative leadership on negative emotions and employee workplace venting. Practical implications-Our findings suggest that organizations should pay more attention to the negative effects of exploitative leadership in the workplace. Further, managers should remind subordinates of the dark side of negative emotions related to employee workplace venting. and make an effort to reduce negative affect via internal communication channels or open discussions. Finally, the organization should strive to clarify the authority of leaders, correct and punish their improper behavior in a timely manner, and enhance the positive effect of SOE. Originality/value-This research identifies negative emotions as a key mediator that links exploitative leadership to employee's workplace venting. It also highlights the moderating role of SOE in this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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