The spiraling effect of incivility enacted through information and communication technology (ICT) in the workplace

Purpose This research provides an empirical test of Andersson and Pearson’s (1999) theoretical incivility spiral. Rather than investigate the incidence of incivility perpetration following incivility victimization in face-to-face interactions, this study tests for evidence of an incivility spiral due to communications enacted through information and communication technology (ICT) based on affective events theory (AET) (Weiss and Cropanzano, 1996). Further, the moderating impacts of both gender and incivility climate on this relationship are considered. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this Time 1–Time 2 survey-based research was comprised of 354 full-time working adults from a wide range of organizations. We employed hierarchical moderated regression analyses as our primary data analytic technique. Findings Results demonstrate that victims of ICT incivility at Time 1 are likely to be perpetrators of ICT incivility at Time 2. Furthermore, this relationship is stronger for men than it is for women and is exacerbated in cultures that have a low tolerance for ICT incivility. Originality/value This is the first known test of the incidence of an incivility spiral due to communications enacted through ICT. There is special cause for concern given the often-impersonal nature of ICT use (and abuse) in organizations. Individuals may feel emboldened by the distance and perceived safety ICT mediation affords and may be less likely to moderate their online interactions with colleagues. Absent the physical intimacy and non-verbal signals that face-to-face interactions provide, individuals may be more likely to perpetuate incivility in ICT interactions even if there is no implicit intent to harm others.