Role of Organizations in Contributing to Dysfunctional Employee Behavior: A Literature Review

Purpose: This paper aimed to examine dysfunctional employee behavior that violate organizational norms and policies, and how organizations enable and facilitate such behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: Literature was reviewed by searching different databases to identify dysfunctional behavior within organizations and the various ways in which organizations can contribute to such behavior. The most prevalent types of deviant behaviors in organizational settings were then explored in a more focused fashion. In doing this, a foundation for the conceptualization of dysfunctional behavior was built, giving a better understanding of what drives such behavior within organizations today. Findings: Literature suggests that certain conditions within organizations predispose employees to dysfunctional behavior, which has harmful effects on organizations. Some reasons for this behavior and how organizations enable them, were identified and included: psychological contract breach, boredom at work, ethical and toxic organization climates, and perceived coworker idling. Implications/Originality/Value: The paper concludes that it is important for organizations to be aware of circumstances within them that may predict dysfunctional behavior among employees and come up with strategies that will help in the reduction of the same for the well-being of both the employees and the organization.