This research experimentally assessed the effects of vicarious punishment on the affective reactions and behavior of coworkers who observed a peer receive a punishment. In addition, the effects on observers of an emotional, nonaccepting reaction to the punishment by the recipient were examined. While emotional reactions by recipients of punishment exerted a negative effect upon observers' satisfaction with supervision, no main effects were observed for punishment upon output. Results conflict with previous research on the use of punishment in work settings. Explanations of these conflicting findings are suggested.
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