Sequential mediation analysis of workplace bullying, work-life conflict, and young employees’ outcomes in Vietnam (early view)

Abstract

There has been a growing focus on workplace bullying, especially in emerging countries. This study examines the impact of workplace bullying on young employees’ outcomes in Vietnamese firms. Based on the Conservation of Resources theory, a sequential mediation model of five constructs (Workplace Bullying, Work-Life Conflict, Job Satisfaction, Work Support, and Negative Well-being) was studied. Data from 238 young employees of different sectors were used to test the hypothesized model. The research data were analyzed using AMOS version 22 to examine the constructed hypotheses. The results confirm that bullying is, directly and indirectly, related to employees’ outcomes in terms of job satisfaction and negative well-being. Furthermore, the mediating effects of work-life conflict on the relationships of bullying, job satisfaction, and negative well-being are confirmed. Contrary to previous research, work support did not mediate these relationships. In order to lessen the level of perceived negative well-being, it is essential to reduce negative acts at work as well as enhance the understanding of this phenomenon. This article contributes to the research literature on bullying in such a Vietnamese context, both theoretically and practically. From these findings, organizations might be beneficial from this study to reduce the level of workplace bullying. Further research could navigate which constructs could enhance young employees’ positive experience at work in the face of workplace bullying.