Linking the trickle-down effect of supervisor incivility to turnover intentions in the context of SMEs: a serial mediation model

Purpose Based on conservation of resources theory and incivility spiral theory, this study examines the relationship between supervisor incivility and turnover intentions by investigating the mediating roles of co-worker incivility and emotional exhaustion. Design/methodology/approach A serial mediation model was empirically tested with a sample of 600 employees in Greek small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Findings Results indicate that supervisor incivility is linked to turnover intentions in three main ways. Directly, indirectly through emotional exhaustion, and indirectly through the serial mediation of co-worker incivility and emotional exhaustion. Research limitations/implications Possible limitations of the study include the sampling techniques and the self-reporting measures for data collection. Practical implications Findings attest that owners and managers of SMEs should take note of the trickle-down effect, namely that their own misbehavior will fuel co-worker incivility. Supervisor incivility has cumulative, deleterious consequences on employees, depleting their emotional resources and enhancing turnover intentions, and should therefore be restricted through appropriate practices. Originality/value Few empirical studies have explored the effects of supervisor incivility on the incivility manifested by others and their impact on turnover intentions. The study enriches the trickle-down effect literature by identifying an additional indirect path linking supervisor incivility and turnover intentions. Further, this study took place in SMEs, a context with limited research in abusive supervision and incivility yet highly pertinent, given that SMEs informality might leave such behavior unchecked.