Content and construct of counterproductive work behavior in a Chinese context

We conducted 2 studies in order to explore the content and construct of counterproductive work behavior (CWB) in a Chinese cultural context. In Study 1 we used a 4-category construct of CWB in China and the results showed that supervisor-related CWB was different from that identified in Western studies. In Study 2 it was indicated that Chinese employees’ interpersonal-related CWB involved indirect communication. The property-related CWB engaged in by Chinese employees was the tendency to abuse power for personal gain. Production-related CWB appeared to be openly expressed. The results in this study deepen and extend our understanding of CWB in 2 important ways. First, they show that culture conditions people’s thoughts about what is considered CWB and which behaviors are highlighted in a specific culture. Second, they lend support to the convergence and divergence perspectives.