How Emotional Contagion Magnifies the Harm of Abusive Supervision: A Dual-Theory Study of Ego Depletion and Counterproductive Work Behavior

This research explores how abusive supervision influences counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) within Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry, using the framework of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and Emotional Contagion Theory (ECT). It posits that abusive supervision not only has a direct impact on CWBs but also indirectly contributes to them through ego depletion, as employees facing resource loss struggle with self-control. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of emotional contagion, suggesting that the transmission of emotions among employees can either exacerbate or alleviate the depletion of psychological resources caused by abusive supervision. Data were gathered through structured surveys from hospitality employees of Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling technique was employed, targeting employees from five-star hotels located in the Riyadh region. Of the 420 questionnaires distributed, 395 were returned, and 382 were deemed valid for analysis. The results validate the proposed relationships, indicating that abusive supervision significantly drives CWBs both directly and through ego depletion. Moreover, emotional contagion plays a crucial role in this dynamic, with positive emotional contagion helping to reduce the negative effects, while negative emotional contagion worsens resource depletion. These findings provide valuable theoretical and practical implications for managing workplace stressors and reducing the harmful consequences of abusive supervision in the hospitality sector.