IMPACT OF ABUSIVE SUPERVISION ON NURSE JOB OUTCOMES: MEDIATING ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT BREACH

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of abusive supervision on key employee outcomes namely job engagement, turnover intention, and service innovation behavior in the nursing sector of Pakistan. Drawing upon Social Exchange Theory, the research examines psychological contract breach as a mediating variable. The study aims to uncover how perceived supervisory mistreatment disrupts psychological resources and leads to adverse workplace behaviors, particularly within high stress, resource constrained healthcare environments. A structured questionnaire was administered to 403 nurses employed in public hospitals across Pakistan. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM), the analysis confirmed that abusive supervision significantly predicts psychological contract breach, which in turn reduces job engagement and service innovation behavior while increasing turnover intention. The findings contribute to organizational behavior and healthcare management literature by contextualizing abusive supervision within a collectivist and under resourced setting. Practically, the study underscores the need for leadership development programs, psychological contract management, and family oriented HR policies to enhance nurse retention, engagement, and innovation.

Keywords: Abusive Supervision, Psychological Contract Breach, Job Engagement, Turnover Intention, Service Innovation Behavior, COR Theory, Nursing.