The effects of Machiavellianism and person–group dissimilarity on workplace incivility

Abstract

Workplace incivility is defined as ‘low-intensity deviant behaviour with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect’. According to this definition, when the employees act rudely in their social interactions, it lead to some unexpected consequences damaging their employment and work-related issues in organisations. This study investigate the effects of Machiavellianism and person–group dissimilarity on workplace incivility. The data were collected from a total of 185 employees. Questionnaire technique has been used as the data gathering method. In data collection tool, a 7-item Workplace Incivility Scale, 20-item Mach IV Scale and 6-item Perceived Dissimilarity Scale were used. The results indicated that Machiavellianism and person–group dissimilarity have significant positive contributions on workplace incivility. The findings provide evidence that identifying the individual and situational predictors of workplace incivility lead managers to become more aware of hostile working environments and the need to revise their management techniques.

Keywords: Workplace incivility, Machiavellianism, person–group dissimilarity, incivility.