Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to adapt and validate a multidimensional instigated incivility scale. Previously, instigated incivility research has used unidimensional scales, measures designed for specific occupations (e.g., nursing), item subsets of larger scales, or scales designed for experienced incivility that assumes a change of referent will not impact the scale. This research formally validates the change of referent from experienced incivility to instigated incivility, and offers a scale designed for wide range of occupations with demonstrated advantages over a popular unidimensional scale.
Design
Study 1 proposes a second-order factor structure of the measure. Surveying a sample of 472 individuals, the study confirms the measure’s ability to predict additional variance in interpersonal deviance over a previous measure of instigated incivility, as well as provide greater detail relating to a multi-faceted personality dimension (narcissism). Study 2 uses a unique sample of 642 participants and expands the nomological network of the scale by demonstrating the correlational and predictive relationships to a network of related constructs identified by past research.
Findings
The results of Study 1 identify that the multidimensional factor structure of UWBQ-I remains intact when changed from an experienced incivility scale. Regression and dominance analyses demonstrate that the UWBQ-I provides additional variance accounted for over Blau and Andersson’s (2005) scale, capturing a larger portion of the instigated incivility construct domain. Additionally, the advantages of a multidimensional framework are identified by relating the scale sub-facets to equally specific dimensions of narcissism. Study 2 further supported the validation of the UWBQ-I by replicating a large network of relationships that have been previously identified in incivility research.
Implications
Considerably less research has been dedicated to instigated than to experienced incivility research. The present studies offer a scale that may contribute to increased research by providing more specific relationships between facets of incivility and constructs such as personality. Greater understanding of the detailed relationships may help researchers further identify antecedents and consequences and aid practitioners in developing interventions to understand and quell instigated incivility in the workplace.
Originality
Although research has used a scale such as this, the validity of the scale has never been demonstrated. This research establishes the appropriateness of the past use of such scales and also offers researchers a standard, validated measure to incorporate in a broad range of occupations for future incivility research.
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Appendix
Appendix
Full Items for the UWBQ-I
Please indicate how often in the past year, you have engaged in each of the following activities while at work…
Hostility
Raised your voice while speaking to another.
Used an inappropriate tone when speaking to others.
Spoke to another in an aggressive tone of voice.
Rolled your eyes at another.
Privacy Invasion
Took stationary from another’s desk without later returning it.
Took items from another’s desk without prior permission.
Interrupted another while they were speaking on the telephone.
Read communications addressed to another, such as emails or faxes.
Opened another’s desk drawers without permission.
Exclusionary Behavior
Did not consult another in reference to a decision that should have involved them.
Gave unreasonably short notice when canceling or scheduling events another was required to be present for.
Failed to inform another of a meeting they should have been informed about.
Avoided consulting with another when you would normally be expected to do so.
Was excessively slow in returning another’s phone message or email without good reason for the delay.
Intentionally failed to pass on information which another should have been made aware of.
Were unreasonably slow in seeing to matters on which they were reliant on you for, without good reason.
Gossiping
Publicly discussed another’s confidential personal information.
Made snide remarks about another.
Talked about another behind his/her back.
Gossiped behind another’s back.
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Gray, C.J., Carter, N.T. & Sears, K.L. The UWBQ-I: An Adaption and Validation of a Measure of Instigated Incivility. J Bus Psychol 32, 21–39 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-015-9433-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-015-9433-6