Using Case Study Methodology to Explore the Role of Discrimination in Workplace Incivility

Area of Science:

• Workplace Psychology
• Higher Education Studies
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Exclusionary behaviors negatively impact faculty health and well-being in academic settings.
• Discrimination based on race, language, gender, or sexual orientation creates vulnerability among faculty.
• Incivility among faculty undermines the integrity of higher education institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the detrimental effects of exclusionary behaviors on faculty.
• To advocate for the establishment of zero-tolerance policies against faculty-to-faculty incivility.
• To propose the implementation of discipline-specific codes of conduct across educational systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on workplace discrimination and incivility in academia.
• Analysis of the impact of peer judgment on faculty well-being.
• Examination of existing institutional policies and best practices.

Main Results:

• Exclusionary behaviors lead to emotional and physical vulnerability in faculty.
• Peer judgment based on protected characteristics is a significant issue in higher education.
• Current institutional standards may be insufficient to address faculty-to-faculty incivility.

Conclusions:

• Higher education institutions must adopt a zero-tolerance stance on faculty incivility.
• Discipline-specific codes of conduct are essential for fostering respectful academic environments.
• Implementing comprehensive policies can mitigate the negative effects of exclusion and promote faculty well-being.