What is Counterproductive Work Behavior
Kversitydefines counterproductive work behavior "...as the behavior by members of an organization that counter the organization rightful interests. In other terms counterproductive work behavior (CWB) can be seen as consisting of deliberate actions by workers that could harm an organization or its stakeholders."
Counterproductive work behavior or work deviance are those behaviors that are unacceptable, and goes against the rules of conduct or code of ethics that govern the workers and the organization or company at large for the benefit of all. In essence, they are negative behaviors whose effects are negative to the company.
The Performance Group International Ltd defines workdevianceas "Voluntary behavior that violates significant organizational norms, and in doing so, threatens the well being of the organisation, and/or its members."
An organization may suffer huge losses financially and it may result to some members quitting, suffering psychologically or suing the company as a result of the backward behaviors exhibited by a number of members or co-workers in the organization or from those in higher positions.
The negative behaviors can be intentional or unintentional.
There are myriad reasons as to why members may decide to carry out negative behaviors in the case where it is intentional. Some of the reasons or causes are:
- Poor pay
- Extra work at a low pay
- Lack of promotion despite working at the company for a long time
- Poor working environment
- No allowances
- Attitude of the boss towards the worker/Unfair treatment
- Revenge
- Victim of bullying
"The high personality factor 'Conscientiousness' has been found to be a strong negative predictor of workplace deviance. The more conscientious a person is, the less likely he or she is to engage in deviant workplace behavior," statesPerformanceGroup International Ltd on what contributes to workplace deviance.
"Organizations typically strive to establish an atmosphere of conformity and teamwork to achieve maximum productive and create a healthy corporate culture," assertsChrisJoseph. However, as he notes in his article, 'What are common kinds of workplace deviance,' "In organizations of any size, deviant behavior can occur, which can sabotage the effort."
Forms of Counterproductive Work Behavior
Below are some of the most common and major forms of counterproductive work behavior.
a) Absenteeism
This is the most common form of CWB. Absenteeism is when people do not show up for work.
There are two types of absenteeism: excused and unexcused. Excused absenteeism is when the worker asks for permission in which case the reasons are justified. However, not all excuses from the workers are ever true. Unexcused is whereby the worker has not or did not ask for permission. Absenteeism are so common that it has led to organizations losing a lot of profits and affecting the production or services offered to customers or clients.
b) Lateness
This is arriving at the job place at not the right time and leaving early. This includes leaving early at break and lunch time and arriving late. Another serious problem and a very negative behavior.
c) Bullying
This is another negative behavior that is very common at work places. Bullying can be manifested physically or verbally. Calling workers names, isolating a worker from others, insulting, passing unfounded 'truths' about a worker, intimidating and controlling workers in unhealthy ways are examples of bullying.
According to Performance Group International Ltd, bullying is defined as repeated and persistent negative acts. It cites an example of how bullying is prevalent within the healthcare industry in United Kingdom (UK). "A survey carried out on Nurses by the UK National Health Service Community Trust indicated that 38% of respondents had witnessed workplace bullying. Healthcare professionals are the second largest occupational group to report problems associated with bullying, behind teachers."
d) Theft of property
Another common behavior at workplaces. Depending on the type of company or organization it is, things can be stolen ranging from computers, laptops, printing papers, books, pens, staplers, pins and other items or equipments. Some employees go as far as using the electronic machines of the organization to do their own work with a mind of making money for themselves. Consider a worker who designs and prints various types of cards e.g. greeting and wedding cards, then sells them to outside clients without the head of the organization knowing.
Other forms of counterproductive work behavior are:
- Poor attendance
- Poor quality work
- Not informing the boss that some equipments are not functioning
- Working at nail speed
- Frequent breaks
- Misuse of resources
- Misuse of time
- Alcohol and drug abuse
"Themanagementhas many ways of reducing these deviant behaviors despite their prevalence. The manager should set examples, establish trust, treat workers with respect and dignity and fair compensation systems."
