When and why does prosocial rule-breaking behavior fall into dilemma? A moral balancing perspective

Existing research has demonstrated that prosocial rule-breaking behavior (PSRB) generates positive outcomes for employees and organizations. However, scholars know little about the potential dark side of PSRB. This article draws upon the moral balance model to explore the potential double-edged sword effect of PSRB. We propose that when the rules climate is high, employees who engage in prosocial rule-breaking behavior will perceive the loss of moral credits and increase organizational citizenship behavior. Furthermore, when the rules climate is low, employees who engage in prosocial rule-breaking behavior will produce psychological entitlement, fueling counterproductive behavior. Results from an experiment and a multisource field study support our hypotheses. Our research provides new insight into understanding the perils and benefits of employees’ prosocial rule-breaking behavior and reveals the importance of exploring organizational moral climate in this distinct process. Finally, implications for theory and implementation are discussed.