Research on chaxu climate, a prevalent organizational phenomenon in China, has captured significant academic attention in recent years. This study aims to explain why some employees who experience chaxu climate in hospitality organizations contemplate leaving, while others do not. We propose a moderated mediation model to examine the double-edged sword impact of chaxu climate on turnover intention. Through one qualitative study and two scenarios-based experimental studies, we reveal that organizational justice plays a crucial role as a contextual cue, influencing employees’ attribution of chaxu climate and subsequent turnover intention. Perceived insider status is identified as a mediator. Furthermore, we establish a second-level moderating effect of the hierarchy level, distinguishing between supervisor and front-line employees. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed accordingly.
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