Competition and Workplace Bullying. The moderating role of passive avoidant leadership style.

The aim of the study was to test if competition is a potential risk factor for the occurrence of workplace bullying and if this association depends on the level of passive avoidant leadership style. We proposed that competition and passive avoidant leadership style are positive related to workplace bullying exposure and perpetration. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the effect of competition on workplace bullying exposure and perpetration is moderated through passive avoidant leadership style. An online survey design was employed and data were collected among U.S. employees. The final sample consists of 1,408 respondents. Workplace bullying exposure and perpetration were cross-sectionally assessed via self-labeling and behavioral experience method. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that competition and passive avoidant leadership style are important predictors for workplace bullying exposure and perpetration. Furthermore, the results indicated that the effect of competition on workplace bullying exposure (measured via behavioral method) and self-labeled workplace bullying exposure and perpetration is moderated through passive avoidant leadership style. However, for workplace bullying perpetration (measured via behavioral method) no moderation effect was found. The findings underline the importance of the supervisor’s behavior in the occurrence of workplace bullying. Organizations may decrease workplace bullying incidents by training their supervisors to apply a more constructive leadership style.