Analyzing the Effect of Supervisor Phubbing on Employee’s Performance and Organizational Citizenship with Mediating Mechanism of Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract

With the increasing prevalence of supervisor phubbing there remains a significant gap in research regarding its organizational consequences. Despite its potential to undermine workplace dynamics, only a limited number of studies have explored the impact of this behavior on employee performance. This study is therefore, seeks to bridge this research gap by examining the relationship between supervisor phubbing and employee outcomes, particularly focusing on job performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. The study was conducted in Pakistan, a collectivistic culture where workplace relationships and hierarchical structures play a crucial role in employee motivation and engagement. A total of 214 valid responses were collected through an online survey from employees working in the service sector. The results indicate that supervisor phubbing has a detrimental effect on employee job performance and organizational citizenship behaviors, with intrinsic motivation acting as a mediating factor. Employees who experience supervisor phubbing tend to feel disengaged, undervalued, and less motivated, leading to a decline in both their task performance and discretionary efforts that benefit the organization.This research contributes significantly to the literature on workplace technology use by shedding light on the negative implications of supervisor phubbing—an often-overlooked managerial behavior. By highlighting the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use by supervisors, this study underscores the importance of mindful leadership practices and the need for organizations to establish clear guidelines regarding technology use in professional settings. Addressing this issue could help foster a more engaged and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and organizations alike.