Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, Volume III, Work and Wellbeing

Chapter 13

Workplace Mistreatment

Recent Developments in Theory, Research, and Interventions

Michael Hanrahan and Michael P. Leiter

Acadia University, Canada

Introduction

Most people can provide a definition of workplace incivility. For most, that definition starts with a personal experience. Memories of being left out of a meeting, not being asked to sit in on a call relevant to your work, catching a coworker slip out an exaggerated sigh as you express your opinion, can all be quickly recalled and likely come with an emotional sting that highlights the meaning incidents of incivility can hold for us. Sometimes it is how something is said, or a certain look that seems to have a deeper meaning, or even the outwardly rude remarks, that we use to define our interpersonal experiences. Although a more academic or inclusive definition of workplace incivility may escape us when put on the spot, the experiences that represent incivility seem etched in the memories of those who experience or observe it.

This chapter addresses the topic of incivility in the workplace and its relationship to wellbeing. It is intended that by the end of the chapter readers will have a better understanding of what workplace incivility is, how it interferes with the ability of individuals, workgroups, and entire organizations to meet their full potentials, and how people can counteract the dysfunction and recover the productivity incivility often costs us.

This chapter is made up of six sections. In the first, ...