Book chapter
Negative social exchange processes
Handbook of Social Exchange Theory in Organizations, pp 179-201
14 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Social exchange theory has a long history of explaining positive social exchanges at work. Yet, the theory also explains the exchange of destructive behaviors, or negative exchanges. This chapter presents an overview of negative workplace exchanges and focuses specifically on the exchange of negative behaviors as explained by social exchange theory. We review commonly studied behaviors that can initiate negative exchanges, and then highlight the mechanisms that represent negative exchange mediators. Our review reveals that using social exchange theory exclusively to explain negative workplace exchanges is insufficient because negative exchange dynamics are complex, requiring an enriched theoretical approach that incorporates different theories with social exchange theory to fully explicate the nature of these seemingly tit-for-tat interactions. Thus, we conclude the chapter by suggesting that future research should continue to integrate other theoretical perspectives to examine mediators and moderators, with the hope of spurring fruitful, theoretical contributions.
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Details
- Title
- Negative social exchange processes
- Creators
- Andrea C. FarroMary B. MawritzMarie S. Mitchell
- Publication Details
- Handbook of Social Exchange Theory in Organizations, pp 179-201
- Publisher
- Edward Elgar Publishing; Cheltenham, UK
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Management
- Other Identifier
- 991022179572704721