Investigating the Relationship Between Affective Commitment and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behaviors: The Role of Moral Identity

In this study, we investigate the relationship between affective commitment and unethical proorganizational behaviors (UPBs), which are unethical behaviors conducted by employees meant to potentially benefit the organization (Umphress, Bingham, & Mitchell, 2010). We predicted that affective commitment would be positively related to UPBs and that moral identity would moderate and weaken this relationship. The results support our hypotheses, indicating that individuals with high levels of affective organizational commitment are more likely to engage in UPBs when they hold a lower level or moral identity. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.