The Rise of Incivility in Higher Education in Uncertain Times: What Can University Leaders Do About It?

• In Event: Leading in a Time of Crisis

Abstract

Research surrounding higher education workplace aggression is regularly focused on acts of bullying down the hierarchical chain. This paper examines the data generated from interviews with 20 faculty deans from 8 Australian universities that demonstrates a shift in negative higher education workplace behaviour is occurring. This change results in the well-defined practice of bullying replaced with victims enduring the accumulated impact of acts of varied disrespect, collectively known as incivility. The paper provides insight from the perspective of deans on their experiences of incivility, leading in toxic cultures, and the repercussions on their professional and personal lives. University leaders must acknowledge this cultural shift as incivility is rising in prominence and is difficult to stop using existing policies. The paper concludes with recommendations for action to address incivility that contributes to a toxic work culture.

Author

• Lynn Bosetti, University of British Columbia