This research applies the psychological contract violation perspective to examine the antecedents of abusive supervision. Research data were obtained from Taiwanese enterprises in China by a supervisorsubordinate dyad approach. Analytical results based on the structural equation modelling and multilevel approaches show that supervisors' perceptions of psychological contract violation by the company will increase their negative affect and produce a positive effect on subordinates' perceptions of abusive supervision. Supervisors' negative affect also has a positive effect on subordinates' perceptions of abusive supervision. Moreover, supervisors' negative affect mediates the relationship between their reports of psychological contract violation and subordinates' perceptions of abusive supervision. The study extends the theoretical scope of abusive supervision research. Research findings also have significant implications for business practices.