The moral dark side of performance pressure: how and when it affects unethical pro-organizational behavior

Abstract

Drawing on social cognitive theory of moral conduct, we hypothesize that performance pressure is positively associated with unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) through the mediation of moral justification beyond that of self-serving cognitions. We further hypothesize that creative cognitive style enhances this relationship, whereas moral identity ameliorates the moderating effect of creative cognitive style. The findings from two field studies involving multi-wave data provide convergent support for our hypotheses. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.