Impact of workplace incivility on employee well-being and commitment to organizational citizenship behavior

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of workplace incivility (WI) on employee well-being and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in the public sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also explores the mediating effects of loneliness at work and stress on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a quantitative approach, using structured survey questionnaires to collect data from 954 employees in the UAE public sector. The study applies the conservation of resources (COR) theory to understand the dynamics of WI, employee well-being and OCB. Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares–structural equation modeling and SPSS. Findings The results indicate that WI significantly affects employee well-being. However, employee well-being does not mediate the relationship between WI and OCB. Loneliness at work and stress are found to be significant factors influencing employee well-being and OCB, with stress having a direct negative effect on both. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by offering novel insights into the effects of WI within a collectivist context such as the UAE. It extends COR theory by incorporating workplace loneliness and stress as mediating mechanisms, thereby advancing understanding of how incivility diminishes employee well-being and OCB, an area that remains underexplored. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of cultural and societal contexts in shaping employee behavior and well-being. It also highlights the need for organizations to proactively address WI and support employee well-being to foster higher levels of OCB.