Age and Workplace Deviance: A Meta-Analytic Test of Two Mediating Mechanisms
In the current meta-analysis, we examine the relation between age and workplace deviance, and find a small but significant negative correlation (rho = -.092, k = 198). More importantly, we test two complementary mechanisms to help explain this relation. Specifically, based on the neo-socioanalytical model of personality change, we hypothesized that those Big Five personality domains that change with age and trait negative affect would mediate this relation. These hypotheses were supported, as the Big Five traits conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism, as well as trait negative affect simultaneously mediated the negative relation between age and workplace deviance. These findings highlight two important underlying mechanisms for this relation and suggest several opportunities for organizations to reduce the occurrence of workplace deviance. Further theoretical and practical implications as well as limitations and future research ideas are discussed.