Effect of supervisor dispositional envy on episodic envy in supervisor–subordinate dyads : a multilevel investigation of workplace envy and abusive supervision

Abstract

Drawing on social comparison theory, this study examines the influence of supervisor dispositional envy and episodic envy of a subordinate on abusive supervision. Integrating the power depdence theory, we further argue that the supervisor's power dependence at the dyadic level on the surbodinate influence envy and abusive supervision. Furthermore, we posit that the supervisor's narcissism and neuroticism at the supervisor level influenc envy and abusive supervision. Two dyadic-designed studies are developed, collecting data from supervisor-surbodinates dyads in the Chinese hotel industry. Study 1 primarily examines the effect of dispositional envy on episodic envy and abusive supervision, while also exploring the moderating role of power dependence. Study 2 replicates the relationships between two forms of envy and abusive supervision. The moderating effects of the supervisor's narcissism and neuroticism were also examined in Study 2. The findings provide a new perspective on the antecedents of abusive supervision through the lens of envy.