Future at risk: Exploring the effect of workplace bullying on career optimism and the moderating role of shared occupational in-group.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of workplace bullying on individuals’ career optimism. While organizational outcomes and health effects on employees are well-documented, research on individuals’ career optimism is lacking. The present study investigates the relationship between workplace bullying and career optimism. Further, based on the social identity theory, we believe occupation forms a social in-group and propose that individuals’ career optimism will be more negatively affected by bullying from someone in their social in-group. Thus, we explore the moderating role of shared occupational in-group between the victim and the bully, on the relationship between workplace bullying and career optimism. Utilizing a quantitative research design, a sample of Norwegian workers (N= 894) was collected at two-time points with an approximate 12-week time lag. Two linear regression analyses and two interaction analyses were performed to test our hypotheses.

The results of the analyses find that workplace bullying has a negative effect on career optimism at the first point of measure. However, when analyzing the relationship over time, we did not find support.

The interaction effect of shared occupational in-group showed that the development of career optimism decreased for those being bullied by someone with a different occupation, contrary to our initial belief. These results underscore the importance of preventing workplace bullying and the need for leaders to cultivate a healthy work environment.

The study adds to the existing literature on the consequences of workplace bullying by highlighting its detrimental effects on individuals’ career optimism. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for further research on the moderating factors that influence this relationship.