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Journal of Business Ethics

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01-10-2018 | Original Paper

Perceived Overqualification and Cyberloafing: A Moderated-Mediation Model Based on Equity Theory

Authors: Bao Cheng, Xing Zhou, Gongxing Guo, Kezhen Yang

Published in: Journal of Business Ethics | Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Cyberloafing is prevalent in the workplace and research has increasingly focused on its antecedents. This study aims to extend the cyberloafing literature from the perspective of perceived overqualification (POQ) among civil servants (government employees). Drawing on equity theory, we examined the effect of POQ on cyberloafing, along with the mediating role of harmonious passion on the POQ–cyberloafing relationship and the moderating role of the need for achievement on strengthening the link between POQ and harmonious passion. Using time-lagged data from a sample of 318 civil servants in China, we found that (1) POQ was positively related to cyberloafing; (2) harmonious passion mediated this relationship; (3) the need for achievement moderated the effect of POQ on harmonious passion as well as the indirect effect of POQ on cyberloafing via harmonious passion. Based on the findings, we discussed theoretical and managerial implications and provided future research avenues.

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Title: Perceived Overqualification and Cyberloafing: A Moderated-Mediation Model Based on Equity Theory
Authors: Bao Cheng
Xing Zhou
Gongxing Guo
Kezhen Yang
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Journal of Business Ethics / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0167-4544
Electronic ISSN: 1573-0697
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-4026-8

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