When Social Exclusion Turns Deviant: Workplace Ostracism, Coworker Contact Quality, and Interpersonal Deviance

Abstract

This study examines the impact of workplace ostracism on interpersonal deviance among banking employees in Pakistan, focusing on coworker contact quality as a mediating relational mechanism. Workplace ostracism is a subtle yet pervasive form of social mistreatment that disrupts interpersonal relationships and organizational norms. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory, exclusion weakens reciprocal exchange relationships, potentially fostering norm-violating behaviors toward colleagues. Using a quantitative three-wave time-lagged design, data were collected from 330 full-time employees in Pakistan’s banking sector. Workplace ostracism was measured at Time 1, coworker contact quality at Time 2, and interpersonal deviance at Time 3. Established scales were employed, and mediation analysis was conducted. Workplace ostracism positively predicted interpersonal deviance and negatively predicted coworker contact quality. Coworker contact quality partially mediated this relationship, indicating relational deterioration as a key explanatory pathway. Organizations should cultivate inclusive climates and strengthen coworker interactions to reduce deviance. Proactive relational management is critical in interdependent service environments like banking.