What is Counterproductive Work Behaviour (CWB) ?
‘Counterproductive Work Behaviour’ or ‘CWB’ refers to the kind of voluntary behaviour by the employees that are counterproductive to their work environment.
However, that doesn’t mean that it is always done with harmful intent. Some CWB might be counterproductive like internationally slacking off at work. However, it does not harm the company inherently except for the loss of man-hours.
Generally, four different kinds of CWB are widely acknowledged:
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- Personal Aggression: It includes CWB that are mostly induced due to rage or any other personal emotion. For example, sexual harassment, bullying, etc.
- Political Deviance: It includes CWB that are directed at others based on external factors. For example, gossiping, nepotism, etc.
- Production Deviance: It includes CWB that is related to the productivity of the employee. For example, goldbricking, slacking off, etc.
- Property Deviance: It includes CWB that is related to damage of company property. For example, theft, sabotage, etc.