Understanding Workplace Incivility Through a Demographic Lens: Implications for Employee Commitment in Nigeria’s Public Sector

Abstract

This study investigates the role of demographic factors and organizational commitment in determining workplace incivility among employees in Nigerian organizations. A cross sectional survey research design was employed, sampling 435 participants across diverse demographic groups, including age, gender, educational qualifications, and tenure. Workplace incivility was measured across four dimensions: hostility, privacy invasion, exclusionary behavior, and gossiping, while organizational commitment was assessed using the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. Data analyzed using ANOVA, t-tests, and multiple regression revealed key findings. Younger employees reported significantly higher levels of privacy invasion, exclusionary behavior, and gossiping than their older counterparts. Gender analysis showed no significant differences across most dimensions, but males reported higher levels of gossiping. Lower organizational commitment emerged as a strong predictor of heightened workplace incivility across all demographics. These results highlight the complex interplay of demographic factors in workplace experiences,
emphasizing the need for tailored interventions, such as mentorship programs for younger employees and policies to foster organizational commitment. The findings contribute to the literature on workplace incivility in developing economies, offering practical insights for fostering inclusive and respectful work environments.