When Silence Speaks Whistle-Blowing Intention as a Response to Observed Abusive Supervision

Abstract

Abusive supervision is frequently observed at workplaces. Observers should react with empathy; it specifically investigates whether and when workers will take prosocial measures to help the victim of abuse in response to observing the supervisory abuse of a coworker. However, based on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we suggest that the internal locus of control between observers and victims determines the behavioral and emotional reactions of observers to abusive supervision. In particular, sympathetic feelings are positively correlated with whistleblowing by observers, reducing their victim-assistance behaviors, when internal locus of control is elevated or made prominent. On the other hand, observed abusive supervision is positively correlated with observers' sympathetic response when the internal locus of control is low, which in turn decreases their victim-helping activities. These theories are supported by data from South Punjab's healthcare system. We go over the findings' theoretical and practical ramifications and limitations with future directions.

Keywords: Observed abusive supervision, Empathetic emotions, whistle-blowing intention, and Internal locus of control.