Counterproductive work behaviors within academic institutions: A myth or a reality

Abstract

Recent studies in counterproductive work behavior (CWB) have noted the seriousness of having deviant behaviors within the workplace environment. Acknowledging that CWBs exists in all types of organization; this would mean that even within academic institutions, occurrence of CWBs is inevitable. Within an initial study of CWBs in Taiwan academic institutions, results suggest a moderate occurrence of some serious negative behaviors. To clarify their findings, further validation of the CWB-T is needed. In the spring semester of 2015, an online survey was established and data was collected from strategically selected schools all over Taiwan. After three weeks of data collection, a total of 718 valid responds are noted and analyzed. Using the CWB-T framework, eight (8) factors are validated using Structured Equation Modelling (SEM). In addition, various demographical backgrounds are also collected and analyzed. Results suggest that teachers with administrative responsibilities, teachers with longer years of service, teachers working in urban cities, and teachers who are working in the key capital region all seem to perceived higher occurrence of CWBs within the academic workplace. In essence, it is currently noted that even within school, CWBs are occurring from low to moderate. Therefore, it is imperative that awareness of such deviant behaviors be achieved and further escalation be prevented.