How Does Cyber Incivility Affect Work Withdrawal?

Abstract

Written information and communication technologies such as email and online messaging have dominated workplace communication. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of cyber incivility on adverse work outcomes of work withdrawal and turnover intention. Specifically, we draw on self-determination theory and conversation of resources theory to examine the mediating roles of basic need satisfaction and burnout in the relationship between cyber incivility and work outcomes. Furthermore, we investigated conscientiousness and neuroticism as boundary conditions that influence the effects of cyber incivility on basic need satisfaction, burnout, and work outcomes. The results based on time-lagged data from 685 full-time workers in the United States provide support for the hypotheses that cyber incivility is indirectly associated with work withdrawal and turnover intention through basic need satisfaction and burnout. We also found that for individuals with high conscientiousness, the negative direct effect of cyber incivility on basic need satisfaction and the positive indirect effects of cyber incivility on work withdrawal and turnover intention through basic need satisfaction and burnout are stronger than for individuals with lower conscientiousness. The results and implications on about workplace cyber incivility, basic need satisfaction, burnout, work withdrawal, and turnover intention are discussed.