Precarious manhood and abusive supervision: defining the relationship

Purpose Precarious manhood beliefs (PMBs) are related to myriad consequences for those who endorse them; however, little is known about their impact in the workplace. We draw from the theory of precarious manhood to understand the effects of PMBs on engaging in and endorsing abusive supervision. Design/methodology/approach We tested our predictions across two studies, using hierarchical regression. In our vignette-based study (Study 1; N = 201), we explored alternative mechanisms (i.e. affect, beliefs around social structures), and in our time-lagged self-report study (Study 2; N = 142), we explored how interpersonal conflict strengthens these relationships. Findings In both studies, PMBs were positively related to abusive supervision for men, but not women. In Study 2, PMBs were only related to abusive supervision for men when interpersonal conflict was high. Originality/value Our study extends precarious manhood theory by exploring the implications of holding such beliefs in the workplace and the competing explanatory mechanisms and boundary conditions of this relationship. We find PMBs can manifest as abusive supervision, particularly for men, and particularly in situations with high levels of interpersonal conflict. This suggests a need to further explore PMBs in the workplace, particularly those with high levels of interpersonal stressors, and to intervene to minimize PMBs in the workplace and their impact on careers.