Understanding workplace deviant behavior in the coal mining: the roles of self-experience and differential susceptibility

Purpose Deviant workplace behavior (DWB) poses significant challenges to occupational safety and organizational effectiveness, particularly in the coal mining industry, where high-risk and high-pressure working conditions are prevalent. This study aims to examine how coal miners’ work environment relates to DWB, using the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) framework. It further explores the mediating role of self-experience and the moderating effect of differential susceptibility in the relationship between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses. Design/methodology/approach A large-scale survey was conducted with data from 3,516 Chinese coal miners. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) were conducted using Mplus to test the hypotheses. Findings The results show that the physical environment and social identity are positively related to DWB, while organizational harmony and family support are negatively related to it. Self-experience mediates the relationship between environmental factors and DWB. Differential susceptibility positively moderates the effects of both physical environment and social identity on DWB. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on workplace deviance by constructing a theoretical framework that explains how complex environmental stimuli shape deviant behavior through internal psychological processes. It also provides practical guidance for behavioral intervention and organizational management optimization in the coal mining industry, aiming to reduce deviant behaviors and improve safety performance and managerial effectiveness.