Support to sin: a moderated mediation model of perceived organizational support's effect on unethical pro-organizational behavior among Indian nationals

Purpose The present research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the potential harmful outcomes of perceived organizational support (POS) in instigating unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). Integrating social exchange theory with social identity theory, the present study proposes the indirect effect of one's POS as the mechanism that leads an individual to commit UPB via organizational identification (OI). The authors also expect the role of an individual's moral identity (MI) in moderating the relationship between OI and UPB. Design/methodology/approach The current research tests the proposed moderated mediation model by using two survey-based field studies consisting of 316 and 178 responses in study 1 and 2, respectively from working professionals of various organizations in India. Findings The current research finds support for the proposed moderated mediation model where the POS leads to UPB through the indirect effects of OI. Also, an individual's MI plays a key role in moderating one's engagement in UPB. Originality/value The current research integrates social exchange theory and social identity theory in the UPB literature in a logical and coherent manner. Furthermore, the current research also explains the role of multiple identities in enhancing and attenuating one's engagement in UPB.