Bakker, Nelly (2026) The Role of Envy in the Relationship between Upward Social Comparison and Counterproductive Work Behavior: A Dual-Pathway Approach. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Upward social comparison is common within organizational contexts, yet its behavioral consequences remain unclear. This study examined whether comparing oneself to better-performing colleagues is associated with counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and whether this relationship can be explained through benign envy and malicious envy. Additionally, the moderating roles of identification and contrast were investigated. Drawing on the Social Comparison Theory and contemporary research on envy, it was hypothesized that upward social comparison would relate to CWB indirectly through envy, depending on how individuals relate to the comparison target. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey among 125 working adults. Results showed that upward social comparison was positively associated with CWB. However, neither benign nor malicious envy significantly mediated this relationship. Malicious envy emerged as a significant positive predictor of CWB, whereas benign envy was unrelated to counterproductive behavior. No evidence was found for moderated mediation by identification or contrast. These findings suggest that upward social comparison may contribute to CWB, but envy alone does not fully account for this association. Instead, malicious envy appears to function as an independent predictor of CWB. Future research should further examine the psychological processes through which social comparison influences workplace behavior.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Barelds, D.P.H. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology (WOP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 08 May 2026 13:53 |
| Last Modified: | 08 May 2026 13:53 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6401 |
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