The quiet crisis: how workplace negativity breeds emotion suppression

Purpose This research article investigates the effect of workplace incivility on psychological contract violation and emotion suppression. Furthermore, it investigates how negative workplace gossip affects the association between workplace incivility and emotion suppression. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes a quantitative approach, employing time-lagged survey data obtained from 233 employees working in the hospitality industry. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is employed to examine the associations among workplace incivility, psychological contract violation, negative workplace gossip, and emotion suppression. Findings The results indicate that workplace incivility strongly forecasts psychological contract violation, subsequently resulting in amplified emotion suppression. Moreover, negative workplace gossip moderates the relationship between workplace incivility and emotion suppression, amplifying the negative effects of incivility on emotion suppression. Practical implications The study highlights the need for organizations to address workplace incivility and negative workplace gossip through clear policies, open communication, and support systems like counseling and mentorship. Such measures can reduce emotional strain, preserve trust, and foster a positive, committed work environment. Originality/value This study expands the application of affective events theory by incorporating the influences of psychological contract violation and negative workplace gossip in the hospitality industry. This research addresses the gap in literature on combined impact of workplace incivility and gossip on emotion suppression, providing novel insights into the mechanisms by which workplace incivility results in adverse emotional consequences.