The dark side of psychological ownership in a multi-cultural work context

Abstract

This chapter will explore the dark side of psychological ownership based on a theoretical overview of psychological ownership. Psychological ownership is largely considered to be a positive concept. However, when 'too much of a good thing' is experienced, the dark side appears. Promotion focussed psychological ownership links power and control as a danger to form the dark side of psychological ownership from both an individual and organisational perspective. Whereas the prevention focussed psychological ownership can be considered the link between burnout and the dark side of psychological ownership. After the dangers that can lead to the dark side of psychological ownership are discussed, suggestions will be made on how organisations could prevent the dark side of psychological ownership to turn into deviant behaviour.