Based on the social exchange theory (SET) and social identity theory (SIT), the current study aims to examine the moderating role of job embeddedness (JE) in the relationship between career plateau (CP) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) of the Mansoura university staff. The data were collected by using the online survey method from (240) staff members in Mansoura university
– Results showed there is a significant positive effect of the CP on the CWB. In addition, there is a significant negative impact of the JE on the CWB. Furthermore, JE buffers the positive impact of the CP on CWB through moderating this relationship.
This study adds value to the existing literature by employing both the SET & SIT theories in the organizational context. It enriches the CP literature by highlighting that CP may lead to CWB when employees lose their hope in the hierarchal progression and start to act in aggressive manner. Furthermore, this study examined the moderating role of the JE in the relationship between CP and CWB and how it can buffer the side effect of the CP on CWB among Mansoura university staff.
Drawing on the SET and SIT, the current study contributes to clarify the causes of the employees' aggressive behaviors. It examined the impact of CP, JE on CWB in governmental organization like Mansoura university. This study is one of the first studies that examined the state of career plateau and the moderating role of JE among the university staff.