Abusive supervision, belief in a just world and deviant workplace behavior : a case of 3rd year nursing students at Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the moderating effects of Belief in a Just World on the relationship between Abusive Supervision and Deviant Workplace Behavior. This study employed the quantitative approach in particular the correlation survey design. The study employed a closed ended questionnaire comprising of standardized measures for each variable to collect data. Using a simple of 108 nursing students of Mulago Nursing School the results show that a) Abusive Supervision and Deviant Workplace Behavior have a strong positive relationship (r=.778, p< 0.01), b) Belief in a Just World and Deviant Workplace Behavior are not related (p> 0.05) and c) the relationship between Abusive Supervision and Deviant Workplace Behavior is not moderated by Belief in a Just World (Beta =.25, t=.332, p= .741>0.05). This research has important organizational behavior implications. In a bid to reduce Deviant Workplace Behavior among nursing students, organizations should create zero tolerance policies towards Abusive Supervision. Supervisors who are found to abuse this policy should be reprimanded.