Definition
Andersson and Pearson (1999) stated that workplace incivility is evident in behaviors that demonstrate lack of regard for others in the workplace, behaviors that are described as rude or discourteous. Workplace incivility has been described as “low-intensity deviant behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect” (Andersson & Pearson, 1999, p. 457). Workplace incivility may be low in intensity, but it is quite high in frequency. Not only is incivility related to these negative effects on employees and organizations, but it can also “spiral” out of control. That is, when someone perceives incivility from another individual in the workplace, they may retaliate …show more content…
Incivility is more common than most of us understand, and incivility in health care settings has overwhelming effects. Being a victim of incivility is also costly to most health care facilities. Nurses put in less effort, produce lower quality, and can even burn out due to incivility in the workplace. Victims of incivility may experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety, exhaustion, sleeplessness, depression and anger. It is always best if you can come to a resolution between you and the person exhibiting incivility. Start off by telling the individual how the behaviour makes you feel. Sometimes dealing directly with the person might not be a preference. Take time out and walk away from the situation whenever you cannot discuss the behaviour and come to a resolution, try to follow the chain of command at your workplace and get the supervisor involved. Don’t try to have a conversation with the individual to defend yourself unless you feel it is extremely …show more content…
Unfortunately, the problem can be found in nurses working across all areas of practice. Perhaps most damaging is the fact that nurses have been role modeling this behavior in full view of student nurses. Examine your own behavior and how you contribute to civility or incivility. Take a temperature check in your unit to see how staff treats one another, don’t listen to or tolerate rumors and gossip, persuade staff not to jump to conclusions about the intent or motives of other staff, patients or families. Stop the blame game and encourage a solutions direction towards problems. Encourage acts of kindness among staff. Go out of your way to say thank you and promote this behavior in staff, look for common ground in dealing with conflict. Encourage the practice of forgiveness. Make it safe for staff to ask questions and discuss problems. If the conversation remains irrational, then know when to quit. Educate staff members on the topic and how to deal with it, have the staff sign an “anti-bullying” pledge, department Directors and Administrators need to be approachable, do activities that promote staff unity like staff retreats or team building