Analyzing the effects of incivility beyond workplaces

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to peruse a strike enacted by the police force (PF) from a southeast state of Brazil and its consequences to the population through the lens of workplace incivility (WI) theory. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on a qualitative research design and social constructivism paradigm. In addition, it uses the template analysis, a peculiar form of thematic analysis, which is grounded on the hierarchical coding. Accordingly, it allows the researcher to yield a broad structure (obviously through the task of analyzing textual data, i.e. published texts) as well as providing enough flexibility to comply with the needs of a study. Findings Overall, there was a slightly shift between the initial template and the second one. Rather, the initial thematic assumptions were largely confirmed, namely, antecedents, strike strategy, reactions and consequences; yet, findings also showed other theme, i.e. mitigating decisions. The template analysis used here turned to be a consistent path given that it allowed finding a range of categories related to the themes, which substantiated the results. On the other hand, this investigation shows that even society, as a whole, may be seriously affected by WI. Research limitations/implications This investigation has some limitations regarding that it is a qualitative endeavor. Therefore, the outcomes cannot be generalized, and it constitutes the chief limitation of this study. Practical implications In terms of practical implications, findings suggest that public managers, mayors and governors must pay strong attention to the task of motivating their workforce. Robust human resource policies and fair salary may avoid job dissatisfaction. Social implications Data also indicated that incivility may be related to complex dynamics whose negative impacts may go beyond the workplaces. Originality/value This study expands the theory of WI by paying attention to a generally neglected group (police officers). In addition, it focuses on an emergent economy, which is at odds with robust problems of finance and public management nature. In doing so, it provides evidence of other consequences of WI. Broadly speaking, citizens and businesses are consumers of public services, including safety. Finally, it suggests that WI may be associated with two instigators simultaneously. In this case, it was intertwined with governor’s weak human resources policies and the civil servants’ irresponsibility.

An institutional perspective on workplace incivility: case studies from academia

“…Most of the organizational research pertaining to institutional theory as well as to workplace incivility primarily tilts toward quantitative methodologies and more particularly toward cross-sectional studies (Vasconcelos, 2020). However, quantitative approaches typically overlook the actual "institutional story"the story that provides an understanding of the meanings given to processes, systems and leadership to get a complete interpretation of the institutional environment.…”

“…Enforcement of these quality initiatives has created high levels of tensions, unpredictability and turmoil within the workplaces at various educational institutions. Correspondingly, workplace incivility thrives in such working environments that might be currently experiencing quality and change management initiatives such as downsizing, restructuring, mergers and new leadership because they impact the relationships among the employees causing anger, tension, fear and other forms of negative emotions and subsequently rude uncivil behavior and communications (Vasconcelos, 2020). This made academic institutions an appropriate empirical site to investigate workplace incivility.…”

“…Workplace incivility, which refers to all forms of rude and mundane slights, condescending behavior and routine indignities, has become a topic of concern for all organizations and its management. Workplace incivility constitutes distracting and annoying behaviors such as ignoring someone, withholding information, making sarcastic gestures, spreading rumors and not greeting subordinates, mimicry, looking down on a colleague and sending offensive messages and signals and damaging a colleague's reputation (Felblinger, 2008;Hershcovis, 2011;Martin and Hine, 2005;Vasconcelos, 2020). These low types of deviant workplace behaviors, which may appear to be inconsequential, lacking in any outward malice and can be ignored as simply being rude, ill-mannered or discourteous, are usually laced with an obvious intent to harm others (Andersson and Pearson, 1999;Collins and Rogers, 2017;Cortina et al, 2017) and can have severe long-term damaging effects for the organization and its employees.…”

“…However, currently there is a dearth of macro-level analysis on workplace incivility, which allows examination of workplace incivility within the wider contours of the political and economic structures of the society at large. There is a lacuna within the workplace incivility literature, in the form of lack of empirical studies that relate employees' rude behavior with the macro-level ideologies and continuous changes at the external environment levels (Vasconcelos, 2020). This study overcomes this gap in research by empirically examining workplace incivility within the broader organizational dynamics and interactions with the society, while simultaneously considering the historical and institutional influence of the society and its impact on the workplace and employees within an organization.…”

Spillover of Workplace Incivility on Family Satisfaction of Nurses: Role of Work-to-Family Conflict and Family Support

“…Despite its low intensity, according to Andersson and Pearson (1999), incivility can spiral into progressively extreme violent behaviors. While much attention has been focused on elevated types of workplace mistreatment, organizational scholars have begun to gather evidence for the unique and harmful effects of workplace incivility (Alola, Avcı, & Öztüren, 2021;Chen, Wang, & Shih, 2021;Guo, Qiu, & Gan, 2020;He, Walker, Payne, & Miner, 2021;Itzkovich, Dolev, & Shnapper-Cohen, 2020;Liu, Xiao, He, Wang, & Li, 2020;Mehmood et al, 2021;Namin, Øgaard, & Røislien, 2021;Samad, Memon, & Kumar, 2020;Sharma & Mishra, 2021;Vasconcelos, 2020). The fact that incivility can "spiral" towards more severe and aggressive actions (Andersson & Pearson, 1999) highlights the need to further understand this concept (Zhou, Meier, & Spector, 2019).…”