MEDIATING ROLE OF EMPLOYEE EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION ON THERELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK FAMILY CONFLICT ANDCOUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • H. A. Mustapha Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Author
  • A. R. Suleiman International Centre of Excellence for Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Author
  • C. Y. Ojeleye Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Author

Keywords:

Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, Counterproductive work behaviour, Emotional exhaustion, JEL Codes: M30, M31, M37, Work-family conflict.

Abstract

This study explored the mediating role of emotional exhaustion on the relationship between
work-family conflict and counterproductive work behaviors among workers in the Nigerian
banking industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were gathered from
236 workers of commercial banks using a convenience sampling method. The results
indicated that work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion had a strong favourable
influence on counterproductive work behaviour. Additionally emotional exhaustion serving
as a partial mediator in the interaction between work-family conflict and counterproductive
work behaviour. The findings indicate that individuals struggling to balance work and family
obligations experience emotional exhaustion, hence increasing their propensity for
unfavourable workplace behaviours. Organisations should adopt family-friendly policies,
such as flexible work schedules, remote work options, and childcare support, to lessen
conflict between employees' work and family roles, as research shows that work-family
conflict has a strong positive effect on counterproductive work behaviour.

Published

2026-06-26

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1(A) (2026)

Section

Articles