When Competition Turns Ugly: Collective Injustice, Workgroup Identification, and Counterproductive Work Behavior

This research investigated the effects of competition and injustice between workgroups and workgroup identification (self-categorization) on individuals' propensity to engage in counterproductive work behavior toward an opposing workgroup. One scenario study revealed that competition and collective injustice had an interactive effect on individuals' willingness to engage in counterproductive behavior. In another scenario study, this effect was moderated by the strength of self-categorization with the group. Finally, a survey study of 110 working adults involving reported counterproductive behavior showed a three-way interaction between competition, collective injustice, and the strength of identification with the workgroup, thus providing additional support for the findings of Study 2. This collection of studies provides initial evidence for the positive influence of intergroup competition under conditions of collective injustice on counterproductive behavior.