The Fallout From Abusive Supervision: An Examination of Subordinates and Their Partners

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title

Personnel Psychology

Volume

64

Issue

4

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

First Page

937

Last Page

961

Publication Date

11-20-2011

Abstract

Using spillover and crossover theory, we examined how subordinate's experience of abusive supervision impacts both subordinate's and partner's family domains. Specifically, a model was proposed and tested that examined the fallout from abusive supervision through 2 types of strain, work‐to‐family conflict and relationship tension, on family satisfaction of the subordinate and on family functioning of the partner. Using a matched set of 280 subordinates and partners, this study found that abusive supervision contributes to the experience of work‐to‐family conflict and relationship tension. Further, family satisfaction for the subordinate and family functioning for the partner were diminished through the experience of relationship tension. Interestingly, although the experience of work‐to‐family conflict contributed to relationship tension, it did not directly impact the family outcomes. We discuss the study's implications for theory, research, and practice while suggesting new research directions.

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