Abstract
Leader aggressive humor has detrimental effects on both individuals and organizations, particularly influencing negative employee behaviors. Differing from other studies that primarily examine the adverse impacts on employee outcomes, this study aims to explore the broader question of what additional consequences leader aggressive humor may create on employee well-being, including the potential influence on employee addictive behavior. Drawing from attachment theory, we present the relationship between leaders and employees in two contexts: the work-related Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and the non-work-related Leader-Member Guanxi (LMG), serving as novel mediators to elucidate the link between leader aggressive humor and employee addictive behaviors. Integrating LMX and LMG in the same framework offers a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of leader-member relationships with practical implications. This study involved a questionnaire survey of 375 Vietnamese full-time employees, with results indicating a positive correlation between leader aggressive humor and employee cyberloafing and drinking. We also found that LMX acts as a mediator between leader aggressive humor and cyberloafing, while LMG serves as a mediator between leader aggressive humor and drinking. Furthermore, anxious attachment styles moderate these indirect relationships. These findings offer a fresh perspective on understanding the impact of leader aggressive humor, highlight the differential effects of LMX and LMG, and provide valuable insights for relationship management practices.