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Supervisor off-work boundary infringements : Perspective-taking as a resource for after-hours intrusions
Jacob McCartney Jennifer Franczak Katerina Gonzalez Angela T. Hall Hochwarter, Wayne Samantha L. Jordan Wajda Wikhamn Abdul Karim Khan Babalola, Mayowa
Jacob McCartney
Jennifer Franczak
Katerina Gonzalez
Angela T. Hall
Hochwarter, Wayne
Samantha L. Jordan
Wajda Wikhamn
Abdul Karim Khan
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.
Keywords
perspective-taking, supervisor-subordinate interactions, work-life boundaries, conservation of resources theory
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Work and Stress
Book
Volume
37
Issue
3
Page Range
373-396
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.