Linking Workplace Politics, Ethical Leadership, and Cyber Loafing via Ego Depletion in the Higher Education Sector of Pakistan: A Two-Waved Moderated Mediation Analysis

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between workplace politics, ego depletion, and cyberloafing within Pakistan’s higher education sector, using the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory as the theoretical framework. The study examines whether workplace politics, as a chronic stressor, leads to ego depletion, which in turn induces cyberloafing among employees. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of ethical leadership in this relationship. Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected through personally administered surveys from a representative sample of employees in private higher education institutions in Islamabad. Mediation analysis via the PROCESS macro (Model 4) confirmed that workplace politics significantly increases both ego depletion and cyberloafing, with ego depletion mediating this relationship. However, moderation analysis (Model 7) indicated that ego depletion does not significantly moderate the relationship between workplace politics and cyberloafing, and ethical leadership’s moderating effect was not supported. This thesis will help organizations understand the detrimental effects of workplace politics on employee behavior and the mediating role of ego depletion. It will provide insights into how mitigating workplace politics can reduce cyberloafing, thus enhancing productivity and employee well-being. Additionally, by questioning the moderating role of ethical leadership, this research encourages a reevaluation of leadership strategies to more effectively address workplace stressors. The findings aim to inform policy development and practical interventions in the higher education sector of developing countries, contributing to a more supportive and efficient work environment.