How to attenuate the effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding: the neutralizing roles of coworker support and individual characteristics

Purpose The purpose of this study is to theoretically discuss and empirically test the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion (EE) and the moderating effects of perceived coworker support (PCS) and positive affectivity (PA) in the relationship between abusive supervision (AS) and knowledge hiding (KH). Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a three-wave survey to collect data from eight high-tech companies in north China. The final sample of 209 available responses was analyzed with hierarchical regression analyses and bias-corrected bootstrapping methods. Findings AS positively affected employees’ KH. EE fully mediated this positive relationship. PCS and PA attenuated the relationship between AS and EE, respectively, and the mediating effects of EE. Originality/value First, the study contributes to the knowledge management and leadership literature by examining the relationship between the following two dysfunctional workplace behaviors: AS and KH. Second, the authors explicitly tested the underlying psychological mechanism in the above relationship. Third, this study specified two ways – obtaining support from coworkers and generating positive emotions – to attenuate the toxic effects of AS on victims.