Bad Apples or Bad Barrels: An Examination of Group- and Organizational-Level Effects in the Study of Counterproductive Work Behavior

Abstract

Research on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) has largely focused on the individual traits and perceptions that enhance or decrease CWB. Although useful, we propose that a multilevel perspective offers greater insight into CWB antecedents and outcomes by acknowledging the nested nature of the individual within the work group. We review the CWB literature and propose a testable multilevel model that incorporates individual, group, and organizational antecedents of CWB. We conclude with recommendations on alternative techniques to measuring individual CWB and its higher order antecedents.