The Effects of COVID-19 Risk, Gender, and Self-Compassion on the Workplace Cyberbullying and Job Satisfaction of University Faculty

The purpose of this study is to examine workplace cyberbullying (WPCB) in higher education. Specifically, we explore the relationship between WPCB and several important factors such as self-compassion, job satisfaction, and gender. A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 179 faculty members with an average age of 48.99 was applied. A multiple regression and path analysis using structural equation model were applied using IBM SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. The regression model showed that self-compassion was positively related to job satisfaction, whereas WPCB was negatively related to job satisfaction after controlling for covariates. The model results showed that gender and COVID-19 risk of severe illness were related to WPCB. Additionally, self-compassion mediated the inverse relationship between WPCB and job satisfaction. In this study, we examined the predictors of COVID-19 related constructs, self-compassion, and WPCB on faculty's job satisfaction. Also, we provide a new conceptual model examining gender and COVID-19 risk of severe illness as antecedents of WPCB, and the unique use of self-compassion as a mediator of the relationship between WPCB and job satisfaction. Finally, we provide further understanding of how faculty may be cyberbullied at work due to risk of severe illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.