Disrespectful colleagues, dysfunctional parenting: The effect of workplace incivility on parental attitudes, well‐being and behaviours

Abstract

AbstractTwo dyadic studies address the link between workplace incivility and dysfunctional (i.e., authoritarian and permissive) parenting, and the role played by parent cognitions and well‐being in these relationships. One hundred and forty‐eight working mother‐spouse dyads participated in Study 1. Mothers reported on their own workplace incivility experiences and parenting self‐efficacy, while husbands rated mothers' authoritarian parenting behaviour. Results showed that parenting self‐efficacy mediates the effects of workplace incivility on authoritarian parenting. Study 2 sought to replicate and extend these findings with a sample of one hundred and seventy‐five working parent‐spouse dyads. Working mothers and fathers reported on their own workplace incivility experiences, parenting self‐efficacy and burnout, while their spouses rated their authoritarian and permissive parenting. The moderating effects of romantic relationship conflict were also assessed. Results supported the role of self‐efficacy in mediating the relationship between workplace incivility and authoritarian parenting, with effects exacerbated among those experiencing higher levels of romantic relationship conflict. Moreover, incivility related to working parents' burnout, and in turn, permissive parenting. Our findings shed light on an understudied social context wherein workplace incivility may shape one's personal life, and broadens our understanding of the nature, scope, and impact of this workplace problem.