Testing the reciprocal associations among co-worker incivility, organisational inefficiency, and work-related exhaustion: A one-year, cross-lagged study

Abstract

In spite of the considerable number of studies on co-worker incivility, knowledge on this topic needs to be further enhanced. In particular, no studies have focused on the reciprocal nature of the relationship of incivility with other important aspects of working life, i.e. employee well-being and the quality of the working process. The aim of the present study was to examine the cross-lagged associations among co-worker incivility, work-related exhaustion, and organisational efficiency in a sample of healthcare workers. Based on the conservation of resource theory, we hypothesised that those three variables affect each other reciprocally over the time. Data from a two-wave study design (with a one-year time lag) were utilised, and cross-lagged structural equation models were performed. Results confirmed that incivility and efficiency affected each other reciprocally over time. On the other hand, whereas incivility positively predicted exhaustion and exhaustion at inversely predicted organisational efficiency, the opposite paths were found to be not significant. The study suggests that efficiency is crucial for understanding incivility because it operates both as its cause and as its outcome. Interventions aimed at promoting civility and respect in the workplace may help prevent co-worker incivility, work-related exhaustion, and enhance organisational efficiency.

Organizational Determinants of Workplace Violence Against Hospital Workers

“…In recent research, organizational efficiency was negatively and significantly associated with co-worker incivility, a form of non-physical violence, among nursing staff. 44-45 Based on this research, we had expected low levels of interpersonal conflict and high levels of efficiency and teamwork to protect against violence. While interpersonal conflict was associated with verbal violence, efficiency was only associated with physical violence, and teamwork was not associated with either form of violence.…”

Organization Sustainability through Human Resource Capital: The Impacts of Supervisor Incivility and Self-Efficacy

“…Pull of notable literature have linked negative organizational outcomes to emotional exhaustion, thereby linking emotional exhaustion to resource lost and decreases in organizational citizenship and commitment, turnover intention, job performance, and quality of life [40][41][42][43]. Supervisor's incivility is more harmful than any other form of incivility, and this is as a result of the power differential that is experienced in the dyadic relationship between supervisors and the employees [44,45]. Some empirical evidence on incivility has largely focused on employee-employee interaction as the consequences of such an interaction on work outcome.…”

Enhancing healthcare efficiency to achieve the Quadruple Aim: an exploratory study

“…An intervention is needed that comprehensively targets the numerous demands faced in primary care delivery. Using theory informed by prior research [14][15][16][17], we posit that enhancing healthcare efficiency can simultaneously address these demands without requiring additional resources (Fig. 1).…”