Supervisor off-work boundary infringements : Perspective-taking as a resource for after-hours intrusions

Journal article


Jacob McCartney, Jennifer Franczak, Katerina Gonzalez, Angela T. Hall, Hochwarter, W, Samantha L. Jordan, Wajda Wikhamn, Abdul Karim Khan and Babalola, Mayowa. (2023). Supervisor off-work boundary infringements : Perspective-taking as a resource for after-hours intrusions. Work and Stress. 37(3), pp. 373-396. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2023.2176945
AuthorsJacob McCartney, Jennifer Franczak, Katerina Gonzalez, Angela T. Hall, Hochwarter, W, Samantha L. Jordan, Wajda Wikhamn, Abdul Karim Khan and Babalola, Mayowa
Abstract

Constant connectivity is prevalent in modern workplaces, aided by smartphones and email. Supervisors may further pressure their subordinates to remain connected to work through their after-hours communications. We develop the concept of supervisor off-work boundary infringements (SBI) or supervisor intrusions during subordinates’ nonwork hours, which are becoming widespread due to expectations of immediate accessibility. Through the conservation of resources theory lens, we explore whether these unnecessary intrusions by supervisors increase subordinate strain outcomes (i.e. job tension and depressed mood at work). We also examine the role of perspective-taking, a cognitive resource deployed as a coping strategy that allows individuals to understand the viewpoint of others, which in turn facilitates changes in one’s attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, we propose that employee perspective-taking can lessen the adverse effects of SBI. Across a four-study constructive replication, we find evidence that SBI positively relates to job tension and a depressed mood at work. Heightened levels of perspective-taking attenuated this relationship. Our study presents evidence that individuals who engage in perspective-taking can protect themselves by buffering the adverse effects of SBI. Importantly, we advocate for corporate policies and laws that protect workers from SBI and encourage supervisors to cease such infringements on their employees.

KeywordsPerspective-taking; supervisor-subordinate interactions; work-life boundaries; conservation of resources theory
Year2023
JournalWork and Stress
Journal citation37 (3), pp. 373-396
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN0267-8373
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2023.2176945
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85147689935
Open accessPublished as non-open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range373-396
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online08 Feb 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted27 Jan 2023
Deposited03 Jun 2024
Additional information

© 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

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