Instrumental Counterproductive Work Behavior and the Theory of Planned Behavior

Many theories explain CWB (including the authors’ own body of work) as largely affective responses to work conditions, such as constraints, demands, injustice, and interpersonal conflict. Emotion-based theories of CWB, including Stressor-Emotion, Justice, Revenge, Retaliation, Affective Events, and At-tributional approaches, explain Reactive CWB. However, some kinds of CWB do not fit in that approach, and may be better characterized as instrumental—that is based on “cold” cognitions, plans, and personal or professional strategies. Instrumental behaviors may also cut across the typical categories of CWB, such as stealing from one’s employer or bullying subordinates or coworkers. The key distinction is that these behaviors are not (or not immediately) responses to affective states or experiences, but rather instrumental acts directed toward achieving planned objectives.