Abusive Supervision and Social Capital: A Study of SMEs

Sustaining a social network with synergy, mutual sympathy, and trust within a workplace is a precondition for SMEs sustainability. SMEs are facing challenges of negative individual characteristics of owner/managers, low patronage, and preservation of a synchronised workforce. This cross sectional study examines the effect of abusive supervision on social capital among 365 owner/managers, supervisors and employees of SMEs in the liquefied petroleum gas sub sector in Lagos State. Stratified proportionate sampling was used to select the respondents. The findings revealed that abusive supervision in form display of power, hostile attitude, intimidation, and public criticism predicted social capital. The study recommended that owner/managers should create social networking opportunities for employees through social support, effective communication among stakeholders, and exemplary leadership.