A longitudinal person-centered investigation of the multidimensional nature of deviant work behaviors

Purpose This person-centered investigation seeks to further understand the nature of deviant work behaviors profiles, including presenteeism, abuse against others, soldiering and cyberslacking. We also aimed to investigate the longitudinal stability of these profiles and of their relations with a series of predictors (i.e. availability expectations through information and communication technology, challenge demands and hindrance demands). Design/methodology/approach A sample of 415 employees completed the same set of measures twice across a three-month period. Findings Our results revealed four profiles: Involved, High Presenteeism, Low Presenteeism and Problematic. These profiles were highly stable over time. Availability expectations through information and communication technology, challenge demands and hindrance demands displayed distinctive patterns of association with profile membership. Originality/value The person-centered approach adopted in this study highlights the importance of this joint consideration of various deviant work behaviors to better understand the combinations of these behaviors and thus provide a more realistic reflection of the reality.