Deviant behavior in constrained environments: Sensation-Seeking predicts workplace deviance in shallow learners

•Workplace deviance is examined using the Hybrid Model of Learning in Personality.•Rationality was related to Interpersonal Deviance.•Sensation Seeking was moderated by Deep Learning in the prediction Organizational Deviance in highly constrained workplaces.•Sensation Seeking was negatively related to Organizational Deviance in participants scoring high in Deep Learning.

Workplace deviance represents voluntary and intentional behavior that is harmful to organizations. In the current study, we examine workplace deviance using the Hybrid Model of Learning in Personality (HMLP), which has previously been shown to predict dysfunctional behavior in the workplace. Using a sample of part-time workers, we investigated whether dimensions of Rationality and Sensation-Seeking predict workplace deviance, when controlling for known predictors from the Big Five. More interestingly, we also assessed whether the effects of Sensation-Seeking and Deep Learning on workplace deviance depend on how constrained employees feel in their current position. Overall, our results indicate the unique importance of Rationality in the prediction of Interpersonal Deviance, and Sensation-Seeking and Deep Learning in the prediction of Organizational Deviance. In particular, we found that in highly constrained workplaces, Sensation Seekers tend to engage in deviant behavior when they have low levels of Deep Learning, but tend not to engage in deviant behavior when they have high levels of Deep Learning. Results are consistent with the HMLP and have implications for the management of deviant behavior in the workplace.