The Impact of Workplace Ostracism on Knowledge Sabotage: The Mediating role of Job Induced Tension and Moderating role of Psychological Hardiness

The purpose of this research study is to examine the impact of workplace ostracism (WO) on job induced tension and knowledge sabotage (KS). Job induced tension (JIT) act as the mediator in the relationships between workplace ostracism (WO) and knowledge sabotage (KS). Furthermore, psychological hardiness (PH) moderate the relationship between workplace ostracism (WO) and negative employee outcomes i.e., knowledge sabotage (KS) indirectly via job induced tension (JIT). The study data was collected via adopted questionnaires from the employees working in health sector (i.e., MTI HMC, MTI KTH, MTI LRH) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A random sampling technique was used to collect data. The effects of direct, mediated, moderated, and mediated moderated variables were analyzed using Model 14 of the Hayes PROCESS macro. The findings indicate that workplace ostracism (WO) contributes to increased occurrences of job induced tension (JIT) and knowledge sabotage (KS). The relationship between workplace ostracism (WO) and negative outcomes (i.e., job induced tension (JIT) and knowledge sabotage (KS)) were positive and significant. Moreover, job induced tension (JIT) significantly mediates the relationship between workplace ostracism (WO) and negative outcome (i.e., knowledge sabotage (KS)). The study's findings suggest that psychological hardiness (PH) serve as a buffering factor, mitigating the impact of job induced tension (JIT) on knowledge sabotage. Furthermore, psychological hardiness (PH) significantly moderates the indirect effect of workplace ostracism (WO) and negative outcomes via job induced tension (JIT). Based on social cognitive theory (SCT) which was used to examine the study model, this research study significance lies in uncovering how workplace ostracism (WO) relates to negative employee outcomes such as job induced tension (JIT) and knowledge sabotage (KS). It also emphasizes the crucial role of Psychological hardiness in understanding and mitigating these consequences, offering valuable insights to further explore these dimensions in a more detailed investigation and explanation at workplace.