A Replication And Extension Of Workplace Incivility Perceptions And Coping Responses

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to replicate previous findings on personality and perceptions of workplace incivility. Further, we extend on this research by examining how personality plays a role in incivility coping responses. In particular, we develop a 2 X 2 matrix, in which incivility coping responses fall into 1 of 4 cells: External/Functional, External/Dysfunctional, Internal/Functional, and Internal/Dysfunctional. 464 participants read vignettes of uncivil workplace interactions, and completed measures of their incivility perceptions, intended coping responses, and personality. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to analyze the data. Consistent with previous findings, we found that trait anger and positive affect predicted incivility perceptions. Further, we found support for most of the cells in our 2 X 2 matrix. Theoretical, research, and practical implications are discussed.