Does an abusive climate promote performance: an investigation of public sector hospitals of Pakistan

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the abusive supervision climate as an antecedent abusive supervision and attempts to uncover underlying mechanisms that affects employees' behavioural outcomes in terms of their performance.Design/methodology/approachA framework embedded in social learning theory is developed and empirically tested using a time-lag research design. Data have been collected from 330 functional dyads of supervisors and followers using judgement sampling (from public hospitals in Pakistan) that have been identified and matched for drawing analysis and inferences.FindingsThe results indicate that abusive supervision does occur because of the hypothesized precursor (abusive supervision climate) and that the underlying mechanisms (fear) delineated in this research positively and significantly affect performance of employees. The added significance of the study is its relevance for practitioners with opportunities to manage the factors affecting supervision and its relationship with employees' outcomes through appropriate interventions to improve the behavioural outcomes.Social implicationsThe current study holds not only managerial and academic implications but also has economical and social implications. The findings of the study will help the supervisors and organisations understand how they become a source of their abusive behaviour. With the understanding of the root causes, they can encourage employees in developing mindfulness in recommendations which helps them build an internal capability to face external adversities. Policymakers will get insights into the underlying mechanisms of abusive supervision as well as problems they are facing with the employees. This understanding will help employers and employees in building internal control of employees improving their performance as well as mental health ultimately.Originality/valueThe study opens new avenues for further research with regard to the study of contextual, organisational and personal factors to mitigate abusive supervision as well as exploring additional moderators to lessen the relationship between abusive supervision and behavioural outcomes.