Prosocial rule-breaking: a systematic literature review

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review on prosocial rule-breaking (PSRB) and identify the underlying themes using content analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe current review is based on a portfolio of 37 studies collected from different electronic databases. An extensive literature review is done following a four-step methodology to understand the field comprehensively.FindingsThe present article identified themes in the field of PSRB based on antecedents, consequences, moderators and mediators. Further, the identified themes are classified into individual, job and organizational levels. Through a conceptual framework, how antecedents impact PSRB is shown, which leads to diverse consequences.Practical implicationsThrough this study, the authors attempt to help practitioners understand why PSRB behaviors occur in the workplace. Simultaneously, the authors' work helps managers identify potential strategies to evade the adverse effects of PSRB.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first systematic review of PSRB. The review also highlighted the gaps and provided future research directions based on the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework.