An Investigation of Forgiveness Climate and Workplace Outcomes

When offenses occur in the workplace, forgiveness is one way to mend damaged relationships. An organizational climate of forgiveness may influence the reaction of offended employees. This study examines the influence of a forgiveness climate on willingness to forgive and organizational outcomes; job satisfaction, job stress, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and performance. Findings support the hypothesized positive relationship of forgiveness climate with willingness to forgive, job satisfaction and OCB. There was a significant negative relationship between willingness to forgive and job stress and performance. Managerial implications are discussed.