Self-dignity amidst adversity: a review of coping strategies in the face of workplace toxicity

Navigating a toxic work environment can be challenging, and if not addressed, it can escalate into personal as well as organizational-level conflicts. It can also have implications beyond workplace discord, affecting employee morale, job efficiency, job satisfaction, and physical and mental well-being. While many prior studies have probed these issues, the literature on positive or constructive coping strategies is neither exhaustive nor conclusive. Therefore, this paper investigates constructive coping mechanisms in toxic settings using a comprehensive review of 105 peer-reviewed articles spanning three decades until 2023. To investigate various aspects of constructive coping strategies, this review develops a conceptual framework of constructive coping mechanism-induced restoration of self-dignity. This review attempts to identify effective and ineffective coping responses and the nuanced dynamics of preserving and losing self-dignity. When facing adversity, it is essential to maintain control over one’s actions and attitudes, as highlighted by the individualized nature of coping processes. Thus, this review focuses on constructive coping strategies to address negative behaviours while restoring employees’ self-dignity. Overall, the findings from this review have significant takeaways for scholars and practitioners in organizational behavior, advocating for proactive measures to combat workplace toxicity. Ultimately, the study champions cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes respect and inclusion while recognizing the pivotal role of positive or constructive coping strategies in achieving these goals.