Workplace incivility
Andersson and Pearson (1999) define workplace
incivility as low intensity deviant behaviour with an
ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of
workplace norms for mutual respect (p.457). Within
nursing, numerous anecdotal reports of uncivil
behaviour can be found throughout the literature,
however, few systematic studies have been conducted
to date.
Laschinger et al.s (2009b) study tested a model
based on Kanters theory which revealed empowerment,
supervisor incivility and cynicism to be the
strongest predictors of job dissatisfaction and low
commitment in staff nurses (n = 612). Supervisor incivility
was also a strong predictor of turnover intent.
Dions (2006) study of 115 acute care nurses revealed
similar negative outcomes; workplace incivility was
found to be negatively correlated with feeling supported
by ones supervisor (r = )0.276, P = 0.009) and
positively correlated with feelings of stress (r = 0.384,
P < 0.001) and turnover intentions (r = 0.276, P =
0.003). Hutton and Gates (2008) survey design study
of 184 staff nurses and nursing assistants offered further
support for these findings, demonstrating workplace
incivility from direct supervisors and patients to
be significantly related to productivity loss (r = 0.284,
P = 0.000; r = 0.204, P = 0.006, respectively). These
results provide further insight into the negative organizational
outcomes of disempowering and uncivil
work environments.