The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI linkThe interpersonal deviance (ID) literature has mainly relied upon the conservation of resource (COR) theory
that explains the dissemination of stressful cues. While literature concerning resource investment decisions at
work exists, how and when individuals enter defensive mode is a relatively less researched area. We
investigate the effects of two forms of interpersonal deviant experiences, namely, vicarious ID and direct ID
that results in self-serving behavior—a defensive withdrawal. We analyzed two waves of 346 subordinate–
supervisor pairs. Multilevel path modeling exhibited an indirect effect from direct ID to self-serving behavior
via communion striving. On the other hand, there was no indirect effect of vicarious ID on self-serving
behavior via communion striving. The results reveal that direct ID is a crucial factor in explaining defensive
strategies at work, whereas the effects of vicarious ID are contingent upon certain boundary conditions. Given
that, findings show vicarious ID was positively related to communion striving for employees with low
relational identification and high susceptibility to emotional contagion. We offer new insights into ID and
COR literature by providing important implications for theory and practice
