Abusive supervision and turnover intention among public servants: the roles of psychological distress and person-organization fit

This study integrates social cognitive and cognitive dissonance theories to examine the influence of abusive supervision on public servants. By employing Hayes' Process macro and investigating a cohort of 468 US public servants, we found that abusive supervision is positively related to turnover intention via psychological distress. Notably, the adverse impact of abusive supervision is more pronounced among subordinates with a strong person-organization fit. Given the prevailing retention challenges in the public sector, our research offers novel insights into retaining well-matched personnel through the cultivation of positive workplace social connections.

Automated summary

This study combines social cognitive and cognitive dissonance theories to investigate the impact of abusive supervision on public servants. Through the use of Hayes' Process macro and a study of 468 US public servants, it was found that abusive supervision is positively related to turnover intention through psychological distress. Notably, the negative effects of abusive supervision are more significant among subordinates who have a strong person-organization fit. With the retention challenges faced by the public sector, this research provides new insights into retaining well-matched personnel through the cultivation of positive workplace social connections.