The effects of clinical nurse managers’ toxic leadership on workplace incivility in nursing: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Toxic leadership and workplace incivility are increasingly recognized as threats to nurses’ well-being, workforce retention, and the quality of care. Evidence examining their relationship in Middle Eastern healthcare settings remains limited. This study examined the levels of perceived toxic leadership among clinical nurse managers and workplace incivility in nursing and to investigate the relationship between these constructs among registered nurses working in Jordanian hospitals. Guided by STROBE, this quantitative cross-sectional correlational-comparative study surveyed 301 registered nurses working in governmental and private hospitals in Jordan during 2024. Data were collected using the Toxic Leadership Behaviors of Nurse Managers Scale (ToxBH-NM) and the Workplace Incivility/Civility Survey (WICS). Nurses reported moderate levels of perceived toxic leadership and workplace incivility. Stress was identified as the most frequently reported contributing factor to workplace incivility. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between perceived toxic leadership and workplace incivility (r = 0.243, p = .01). Higher levels of workplace incivility were reported among nurses with master’s degrees and those working in governmental hospitals. Findings suggest that toxic leadership is associated with workplace incivility in nursing practice. Healthcare organizations should strengthen leadership development initiatives and workplace civility strategies to promote healthy work environments and support nurse well-being.