Mediating influence of moral identity on psychological contract fulfillment, self-esteem, machiavellianism and counterproductive work behaviours

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating influence of moral identity on psychological contract fulfillment, self-esteem, Machiavellianism and counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Data was collected from 403 lower management employees working at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Nigeria. This research is a cross-sectional quantitative design that used proportionate stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were distributed and collected through personally administered questionnaire. Partial least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS_SEM), was used to test the hypotheses. Based from Social Cognitive Theory and supported by Social Exchange Theory and Self-Consistency Theory, the results provide support for most of the hypothesized relationships in the study. Specifically, the study has fifteen direct relationships and nine mediating hypotheses (indirect relationships). For the direct relationships, fourteen are supported while one is not supported. On the other hand, the results of mediating influence indicate that six were supported while three hypotheses are insignificant. The significant positive effects from psychological contract fulfillment, self-esteem, Machiavellianism and moral identity on counterproductive work behaviors portrays that the variables are relevant in minimizing counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) in Nigeria. The results of this study provide valuable insights to managers, policy-makers, and researchers to conduct honesty and personality test selection process when making employee hiring decisions. This is important to minimize the tendencies of employees to engage in counterproductive acts. Based on the research findings, limitations and suggestions for future research were also highlighted