International Journal of Science and Environment
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May 2026

The Relationship between Team Performance Pressure and Unethical Pro-Team Behavior: The Mediating Role of Collective Moral Disengagement

Nila Sari Puspita Ningsi Latif (Fakultas Psikologi dan Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia)
Etik Darul Muslikah (Fakultas Psikologi dan Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia)
Eben Ezer Nainggolan (Fakultas Psikologi dan Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

Abstract

The increasing reliance of organizations on team-based work systems has intensified the pressure placed on team members to achieve, maintain, or improve collective performance targets. While such pressure is often assumed to enhance productivity, it may also create conditions under which team members are willing to violate ethical norms to protect or benefit their team, a phenomenon labeled unethical pro-team behavior (UPTB). This study examined the relationship between team performance pressure (TPP) and UPTB, as well as the mediating role of collective moral disengagement (CMD) in that relationship. A quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional survey was employed, involving 357 employees working in teams across public and private organizations in East Java, Indonesia, selected through quota sampling. Data were collected using modified Likert-type instruments adapted from established scales and analyzed using PROCESS Macro Model 4 with 5,000 bootstrap resamples. Results indicated that TPP had a significant positive total effect on UPTB (B = 0.612, p < 0.001), supporting Hypothesis 1. Mediation analysis showed that TPP significantly predicted CMD (B = 0.562, p = 0.003), and CMD significantly predicted UPTB after controlling for TPP (B = 0.487, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of TPP on UPTB through CMD was significant (effect = 0.274, 95% CI [0.090, 0.450]), while the direct effect remained significant (B = 0.338, p < 0.001), indicating partial mediation and supporting Hypothesis 2. These findings extend Social Cognitive Theory and Moral Disengagement Theory to the team level, demonstrating that performance pressure shapes unethical behavior both directly and through collectively shared moral rationalization. Practical implications for performance management, team leadership, and human resource interventions are discussed.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJSE

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry Mathematics Physics

Description

International Journal of Science and Environment (IJSE) is to provide a research medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level research in the fields of Science and Environment . Original theoretical work and application-based ...