The Impact of Social Loafing on Counterproductive Work Behavior in Teams: The Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Injustice – A Study in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between social loafing and interpersonal counterproductive work behavior (CWB-I), while examining the mediating role of perceived organizational injustice in this relationship. Data were collected from 320 employees working at companies in the fields of event organization, media, and advertising in Ho Chi Minh City—contexts characterized by high interdependence and flexible group work dynamics. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the support of SPSS and AMOS software. The results indicate that social loafing not only has a direct impact on CWB-I, but also exerts an indirect effect through perceived organizational injustice, confirming the partial mediating role of this variable. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological and behavioral mechanisms operating within group-based work environments. Moreover, the results highlight the critical importance of fostering a fair, transparent organizational climate and promoting individual accountability in order to reduce dysfunctional behaviors among team members. The study also provides practical managerial implications for organizations aiming to improve team performance and cultivate a healthy organizational culture.