How to Reduce Hotel Employees’ Workplace Deviant Behavior? The Roles of Paternalistic Leadership and Regulatory Foci

This study investigated the impact of paternalistic leadership on workplace deviant behavior among employees in five-star international tourist hotels in six municipalities under the Central Government of Taiwan. In addition, it examined whether employees’ regulatory foci mediate this relationship. The data were collected through purposive sampling, targeting individuals knowledgeable about deviant behaviors. A total of 600 questionnaires (one supervisor per 10 employees) were distributed, resulting in 374 valid matched responses (374 employees and 52 supervisors), with a valid response rate of 62.33%. The findings indicate that paternalistic leadership significantly reduces workplace deviant behavior in employees. Furthermore, regulatory foci were found to partially mediate the relationship between paternalistic leadership and workplace deviant behavior. The article concludes with management implications and research recommendations.