Question

Compare and contrast the differences and the similarities between workplace incivility and workplace bullying (the definition of bullying and some examples of it are described in this chapter of the text.) Is there a relationship between bullying and incivility? If so what would it be?

Answer 1

Workplace bullying is a pattern of mistreatment from other workers or superiors in the workplace that causes either physical or psychological harm to the individual. Workplace bullying is usually targeted on an individual or a group of people through Aggressive communication, Humiliation, and Manipulation of work. Some of the examples of workplace bullying are: Verbal or nonverbal attacks focussing on race or ethnicity, giving impossible deadlines, causing unnecessary disruptions, etc., Workplace bullying can be prevented by framing strict policies and procedures regarding the actions taken in case of such bullying activities.

Incivility is rude or inconsiderate behavior of a person mostly from the boss on the other employee with ambiguous intent to harm the target. Some of the examples of workplace incivility are: not paying attention, avoiding to give the credit for collaborative work, improper gestures on the individual, etc., People engaged in such workplace incivility may not necessarily have bad or harmful intent but it needs to be addressed if it goes beyond a limit that a person can withhold. Incivility can be reduced by conducting frequent out of the work programs and meetups that are designed to allow the employees to have positive interactions so that they can get along and have a good bond among one another.

Bullying and Incivility exhibit almost similar behavioral characteristics except for the intentions for such actions. Both bullying and incivility should be addressed by the management taking necessary actions in which bullying should be paid more attention as it is more intensive than incivility actions. Both bullying and incivility results in physical or mental stress that mostly causes suicidal actions if not addressed at the right moment.