Integrity, ego depletion, and the interactive impact on counterproductive behavior

- Examines the relationship between integrity, ego depletion, and off-task behavior;
- Significant interaction between integrity and ego depletion on off-task behavior;
- Integrity no longer predictive of off-task behavior under depletion conditions

Integrity tests are widely used measures in organizational selection for predicting counterproductive behaviors. Research has identified elements of self-control underlying measures of integrity and reviews of integrity suggest that self-control may play a role in understanding how integrity predicts behavior. We examine how depletion of one's self-control resource (ego depletion) impacts the relationship between integrity and off-task behavior. Results indicate that when ego depleted, high and low integrity individuals were just as likely to engage in off-task behavior. Thus, temporary detriments in self-control negate the relationship between integrity and counterproductive behavior. Expression of integrity and avoidance of counterproductive behavior by high integrity individuals requires a corresponding level of the self-control resource.