Coworker moral hypocrisy and employee unethical behavior? The role of moral disengagement and independent self-construal

Purpose This study aims to investigate how and when coworker moral hypocrisy (CMH) influences front-line service employees’ unethical behavior toward coworkers (CoUB) and customers (CuUB), with a focus on the mediating role of moral disengagement and the moderating effect of independent self-construal (ISC). Design/methodology/approach This research utilized multi-wave (i.e. three times), multisource (i.e. supervisor-follower dyad) data from 237 supervisor-follower dyads in the hospitality sector to empirically test study hypotheses. Findings The results demonstrate that CMH increases front-line service employees’ moral disengagement, which in turn leads to high levels of both CoUB and CuUB. Moreover, ISC was found to mitigate both the direct effect of CMH on moral disengagement and the indirect effects of CMH on CoUB and CuUB via moral disengagement. Originality/value This study extends the literature by identifying CMH as a significant antecedent of CoUB and CuUB. It highlights the moderating role of ISC and provides actionable recommendations for organizations to curb unethical workplace behaviors.