Incivility is deviant, low intensity behavior accompanied by ambiguous intent to harm.

Workplace incivility is a precursor to workplace bullying and aggression.

Intensity of behavior is one way to distinguish incivility from more dangerous conduct.

Anyone in the workforce is aware of the potential damage created by workplace incivility. I have previously written about the high cost of workplace incivility[i] including its link to attrition, depression, and reciprocal behavior. But incivility has an even darker side, as growing animosity towards another person, company, or entity can mark a progression along the pathway to violence. Accordingly, learning to spot the early warning signs can identify danger and avert disaster. Research explains.

Workplace Incivility and Bullying

Kristoffer Holm et al. (2022) examined workplace incivility as a risk factor for bullying and psychological well-being, as well as harm and aggression.[ii] They define incivility as deviant behavior that is low intensity, accompanied by ambiguous intent to harm, and define workplace incivility as subtle forms of “interpersonal mistreatment” including rude behavior such as interrupting, condescending or derogatory comments, refusing to listen, or displaying dismissive body language.

Their study found workplace incivility........

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