Understanding why and when witnessing workplace bullying leads to subsequent active and passive behaviors: the affective events theory perspectives

Purpose Bullying is a pervasive issue in contemporary society, with profound consequences, making it an urgent and critical issue that requires resolution. Recent empirical research on this topic has primarily focused on the perspectives of the bullies and the victims. However, the role of other members within the bullying environment, specifically the bystanders and whether they passively observe or actively contribute to the abuse, remains underexplored. Design/methodology/approach This study collects data from 307 full-time employees with direct supervisors, with surveys administered at three different time points. Findings The findings indicate that witnessing workplace bullying influences negative gossip behavior, outsider behavior and pro-bully behavior through the mediating effect of schadenfreude. In addition, moral disengagement strengthens the positive relationship between witnessing workplace bullying and schadenfreude, while empathy diminishes this positive relationship. Originality/value Reflecting on the relevant research in this field, this study integrates the mediating process between witnessing workplace bullying and subsequent active/passive negative behaviors, while also addressing the contextual applicability (Rosander and Nielsen, 2024; Salin and Notelaers, 2020).