Constructive deviance in organizations: Integrating and moving forward
By Abhijeet Vadera, Michael G. Pratt, Pooja Mishra
Journal of Management | August 2013
Citation
Vadera, Abhijeet., Michael G. Pratt., Mishra, Pooja. Constructive deviance in organizations: Integrating and moving forward Journal of Management .
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Journal of Management, 2013
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Abstract
A growing literature explores the notion of constructive deviance conceptualized as behaviors that depart from the norms of the reference group such that they benefit the reference group and conform to hypernorms. We argue that constructive deviance is an umbrella term that encompasses several different behaviors, including taking charge, creative performance, expressing voice, whistle-blowing, extra-role behaviors, prosocial behaviors, prosocial rule breaking, counter-role behaviors, and issue selling. Using the three common mechanisms underlying constructive deviance to organize our review (intrinsic motivation, felt obligation, and psychological empowerment), we provide an emergent model that integrates extant empirical work on the antecedents of constructive deviance. We conclude by discussing issues for future research, such as examining obstacles, outcomes, and unexplored mechanism dynamics associated with constructive deviance.

Pooja Mishra is an Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Indian School of Business (ISB). Her research integrates insights from sociology and psychology with organisational literature to generate a precise understanding of the sources of disadvantage faced by women, workers from families of lower socioeconomic status, and older workers.

Through her research, she generates actionable knowledge on how organisations can address social problems and play a positive role in broader concerns of socioeconomic mobility and equality of opportunity. Her dissertation identifies family influences on work as a reason underlying challenges workers from poorer families face in organisations, and her dissertation also tests and uncovers both institutional and psychological interventions that can help resolve the issue.

Pooja Mishra
Pooja Mishra