Surprise Move or Dirty Trick? The Influence of Intergroup Competition on Individual's Unconventional Behavior

Abstract

Abstract: Intergroup competition is an effective tactic to stimulate team vitality, but it is not clear how intergroup competition influences individual's unconventional behavior. Based on cognitive appraisal theory, this paper conducts two studies to explore the influence of intergroup competition on individual's two opposite types of unconventional behaviors:creative behavior and pro-group unethical behavior. In study 1, the questionnaire method is used to confirm the "double-edged sword" effect of intergroup competition on individual's unconventional behavior, which can not only stimulate individual creativity, but also induce individual pro-group unethical behavior. Performance proof orientation plays a mediating role in the above process. In study 2, the general experiment confirms the "double-edged sword" effect of intergroup competition on individual's unconventional behavior once again, and finds the influence of intergroup competition on individual creativity and pro-group unethical behaviors is moderated by the level of procedural justice. At a high level of procedural justice, intergroup competition is more likely to stimulate individual's creativity; at a low level of procedural justice, intergroup competition is more likely to stimulate individual's pro-group unethical behavior.

Key words: intergroup competition, creativity, pro-group unethical behavior, performance proof orientation, procedural justice climate

Zhang Yongjun, Li Ya, Zhao Shusong, Liu Zhiqiang. Surprise Move or Dirty Trick? The Influence of Intergroup Competition on Individual's Unconventional Behavior[J]. Management Review, 2023, 35(5): 173-183,196.

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