Systematization of Antecedents and Effects of Workplace Incivility

Abstract

Based on the literature review, the article presents the systematization of antecedents and effects of workplace incivility. Variables contributing to deviant workplace behaviour (antecedents) are placed within three categories: dispositional, behavioural, and contextual. Dispositional antecedents, which include characteristics of targets (certain demographic characteristics and personality traits) and characteristics of instigators (position and power, attributes, attitudes, and certain personality traits), are presented. After that, behavioural antecedents of targets (such as counterproductive work behaviour, annoying or provocative behaviour, etc.) and instigators (inappropriate conflict management style, “workaholism”, response to negative emotions, etc.) are stated. Furtherly, contextual antecedents that are divided into organizationally-based (organizational change and downsizing, hierarchy and autocracy, lack of organizational justice, inadequate organizational culture and climate, certain negative aspects of e-communication, etc.), and work-based antecedents (job design issues, inappropriate working conditions, performance pressure, etc.) are explained at the end. Finally, negative consequences of workplace incivility on employees and the organization are presented. The article ends with the concluding remarks, the implication of the research, and suggestions for future studies.