As a result, more than a third said that their commitment to the organization declined. The potential costs of rude, disrespectful encounters deserve leadership attention. First, leaders need to be aware that this kind of behavior occurs, and that the instigator might operate from a position of power and with cunning. Some targets said that they never reported the event to organizational leaders because they believed that it could jeopardize their careers or that their reporting would have no impact. Many respondents indicated that leaders seemed reluctant to take follow-up action.
Many recommendations flow from the researchers' findings.
Actions in response to the instigator's behavior, as well as steps within the employment lifecycle, can minimize such episodes. Watch closely for patterns. Deny the instigator further influence over people. Pearson and her colleagues offer suggestions for leaders who wish to avoid allowing this type of behavior to taint their workplace. Heed warning signals of incivility, recognizing that the instigator can be cunning.