title: Out of control: A self-control perspective on the link between surface acting and abusive supervision.
abstract: In this study, we examined how leaders' customer interactions influence their tendency to abuse their followers. Specifically, we drew from ego-depletion theory to suggest that surface acting during customer interactions depletes leaders of their self-control resources, resulting in elevated levels of abusive supervision. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the effect of surface acting on abusive supervision is moderated by leaders' trait self-control, such that leaders with high trait self-control will be less affected by the depleting effects of surface acting than their peers. Results from a multiwave, multisource leader-follower dyad study in the service and sales industries provided support for our hypotheses. This research contributes to several literatures, particularly to an emerging area of study--the antecedents of leaders' abusive behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Management and Organization, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Kai Chi
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.affiliation: Department of Management and Organization, University of Washington.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fehr
authors.affiliation: Department of Management and Organization, University of Washington.
authors.forename: Fong T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Keng-Highberger
authors.affiliation: College of Business, Oregon State University.
authors.forename: Anthony C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Klotz
authors.affiliation: Department of Management and Organization, University of Washington.
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058445:Bullying; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010559:Personnel Management; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*