Workplace incivility, bullying, and workplace violence are distinct concepts, each representing different aspects of negative interpersonal interactions within the workplace.

Definition⁷

Incivility can be defined as rude, discourteous, or disrespectful actions, such as gossip, spreading rumors, or refusing to assist a coworker.

Bullying involves repeated, unwanted, harmful behaviors intended to humiliate, offend, harm, undermine, or degrade a coworker. Bullying causes distress in the target(s).

Workplace violence can be defined as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening, disruptive behavior in the workplace. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological assaults. Workplace violence may be committed by co-workers, clients or their families, or external parties, who may be known to the victim (e.g., the perpetrator has a relationship with the worker outside of the workplace) or unknown to the victim.

Watch the video below for a discussion on incivility, bullying, and workplace violence.

Organizational environments can be structured to support workplace safety and prevent violence.

Social work administrators play an important role in preventing and addressing incivility, bullying, and workplace violence.

Now that you have learned about incivility, bullying, and workplace violence, select “Next” to engage in a discussion about strategies for prevention.

⁷ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2022, April 28). Violence, bullying, incivility. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/learning/safetyculturehc/module-2/10.html