Incivility and bullying in the workplace: causes, consequences and corrective actions

Workplace incivility and bullying are common and are on the rise in Canada. Workplace incivility has a contextual definition that can include more minor behaviours such as disrespect, taking credit from others, and belittling; it can also include major behaviours such as dehumanizing, bullying, violating basic rights, and engaging in corrupt or criminal actions. Bullying and harassment in the workplace are defined in legislation and carry criminal, civil, and regulatory consequences when they occur. Workplace bullying has a significant impact on workers that includes reduced work effort, decreased performance, absenteeism, and high attrition. The effects are even more significant on women workers, who experience a loss of self after workplace bullying occurs. Workplace leaders have an important role in discouraging incivility and taking appropriate corrective action when it occurs. Leaders set the tone of the workplace. Therefore, our objective is to comprehensively explore the causes and consequences of workplace incivility, the role of leadership in causing and mitigating incivility, and strategies that leaders and followers can employ to prevent incivility.