Psychological entitlement is a relatively stable tendency toward inflated self-perceptions and unrealistic expectations concerning praise and rewards. This study investigates two behavioral outcomes of entitlement — political behavior and co-worker abuse — and the mediating role of job-related frustration. We also examine the impact of supervisor communication (i.e. evaluative and informative communication) on the relationship between psychological entitlement and frustration. Results of a study of 223 employees suggested that entitlement was positively associated with both political behavior and co-worker abuse, and that frustration partially or fully mediated both relationships. Additionally, results suggested that relatively high levels of supervisor communication reduced job frustration for less-entitled employees but exacerbated the frustration reported by those with stronger entitlement perceptions.
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