The Effects of Social Motivational Training Following Perceived and Actual Interpersonal Offenses at Work¹

This research was designed to examine the effects of social motivational training (SMT) on coworker interactions following perceived and actual workplace transgressions. Study 1 participants were assigned to an SMT condition or a control condition (Job Satisfaction Training; JST). Their responses to a scenario‐based transgression were measured before and immediately after training. Study 2 examined the effects of multiple exposure of SMT 1 week after initial training. In Study 3, workers recounted a negative event at work, received SMT or JST, and an actual behavior was assessed. Study 4 involved face‐to‐face intervention. After recounting the negative event, participants were given one‐on‐one SMT or JST. Results indicate that SMT facilitated a prosocial motivational profile immediately after and 1 week following training.