How perceived overqualification evokes dual deviant behaviors from optimal distinctiveness theory

Purpose This study aims to use optimal distinctiveness theory to examine how perceived overqualification (POQ) affects constructive and destructive deviant behaviors in employees by focusing on the mediating role of thriving at work and work alienation and the moderating role of employee ambition. Design/methodology/approach We analyzed the collected 404 multi-wave, multi-source supervisor-employee dyads data by using the Mplus 8.3 path analysis method. Findings POQ was positively correlated with thriving at work, prompting constructive deviant behavior. POQ was positively correlated with work alienation, triggering destructive deviant behavior. Moreover, employee ambition strengthens the indirect effect of POQ on constructive deviant behavior via thriving at work and mitigates the indirect effect of POQ on destructive deviant behavior through work alienation. Originality/value The present study simultaneously explored the effects of POQ on two deviant behaviors and revealed the mediating role of thriving at work and work alienation, as well as the moderating role of employee ambition.