The Causes of Productive Deviant Behaviours: A Survey of Workers Perspective

Abstract

The paper aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge in the area of production deviant behaviour or counterproductive deviant behaviours (CWB) by assessing respondents understanding of CWB and the reasons that influence the occurrence of CWB. The paper is based on quantitative descriptive survey of workers in Sunyani Township. A sample of 174 was selected using convenient sample method and primary data collected through using self-designed questionnaire administered at the work place. Results indicate that respondents do not support CWB, and will report the occurrence to management. Respondents have seen co-workers engaged in CWB at their job places with majority of the respondents not engaged in CWB. The three most important reasons workers indulge in CWB are dissatisfaction with the job; type of person and because deviant behaviours are not punished. Management of organisations should focus on both personal and organisational factors in trying to prevent CWB in an organisation. They should strengthen internal control systems in order to detect and prevent these behaviours. Future studies should focus on causal studies and also increase sample size.