Investigating the influence of perceived organizational justice on counterproductive work behaviours: mediating role of negative emotions

Purpose Using the theoretical lens of appraisal theory, this research aims to investigate the interrelationship between employees' organizational justice perceptions and counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) through the mediation of negative emotions. Design/methodology/approach To this end, a sample comprised of 207 banking sector employees of Pakistan was utilized to test hypothesized relationships. The collected data were analyzed through the partial least structural equation modelling technique. Findings Results show that counterwork behaviours are influenced by distributive and procedural justice perceptions. The mediating effects of negative emotions were also statistically significant between procedural, interpersonal and informational justice perceptions and counterwork behaviours. No gender differences were found between distributive, interpersonal and informational justice perceptions and counterwork behaviours. However, the authors found that procedural justice perceptions of female employees are strongly related to CWBs as compared to male employees. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing organizational behaviour literature by empirically testing the hypothesized relationships using the theoretical lens of appraisal theory with advanced quantitative data analysis techniques.