The consequences of supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning for vertical knowledge withholding: a moderated-mediation model

Purpose Based on the social exchange and affective events theories, this study aims to explore the effects of supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning on subordinates’ knowledge withholding from their supervisors (vertical knowledge withholding). The study also examines the mediating role of feelings of violation and the moderating role of benevolence. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected at two time points from Polish employees with extensive professional experience. The final sample of 444 responses was examined using partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM). Findings Supervisor bullying hiding has a positive direct impact on vertical knowledge withholding, while supervisor counter-questioning is not related to vertical knowledge withholding. Supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning are predictors of feelings of violation. Benevolence-caring weakens the positive relationship between feelings of violation and vertical knowledge withholding. Practical implications Managers should realize that bullying hiding may result in subordinates’ feelings of violation and retaliatory behavior in a form of reciprocated knowledge withholding. Such behavior is less likely among employees with a high benevolence-caring value, hence identifying personal values among potential and current employees might be useful for improving knowledge flow at workplace. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the relationships between two unethical and counterproductive behaviors (bullying hiding and counter-questioning), feelings of violation, benevolence and “down-top” knowledge withholding.