Psychological Contract Breach and Counterproductive Work Behaviour Among Administrative Staff at a South African University: The Role of Revenge

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived psychological contract breach and counterproductive work behaviour, and whether this relationship is mediated by feelings of revenge, among administrative staff at a South African university. A quantitative cross-sectional approach was utilised. Structured questionnaires were distributed to administrative employees at the selected university. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling through Smart PLS 4.0 to assess both direct and mediating effects. The results reveal a non-significant association between psychological contract breach and either form of counterproductive work behaviour, but a positive association between psychological contract breach and feelings of revenge. Full mediation of feelings of revenge between psychological contract breach and both forms of counterproductive work behaviour was found. Through highlighting the limited contextual applicability of some classical theories, the study contributes to organisational behaviour literature, particularly in institutions of higher learning. The findings suggest non-reliance on only one factor in understanding counterproductive work behaviours.