A moderated mediation model of the relationship between leader reward omission and cyberloafing

Purpose Drawing upon conservation of resources theory, this study investigates a dual-pathway model that leader reward omission (LRO) influences cyberloafing and examines the mediating effects of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and vitality at work (VAW) and the moderating effect of justice sensitivity (JS). Design/methodology/approach Three-wave time-lagged survey data was collected from 390 employees and their leaders. The hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrap method. Findings The results indicated that LRO has a significant positive effect on cyberloafing, with this relationship being mediated by both OBSE and VAW. JS positively moderated the direct links between LRO and these mediators and the indirect effects of LRO on cyberloafing via these mediators. Originality/value Prior research has paid less attention to the negative consequences of LRO. However, this study empirically verifies the impact of LRO on cyberloafing, thus providing a new perspective and in-depth analysis of the existing literature.