Workplace incivility is on the rise. A Portland State University study found that employees who experience or witness incivilities are more likely to be uncivil to others, a worrying trend that could intensify as people return to in-person work.
Civility is defined as “formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.” It’s the process of treating another person, regardless of their opinions, perspectives, or political leanings with respect and kindness. It’s about listening to another viewpoint, and even if you don’t agree with it, searching for the humanity behind a perspective or stance.
Contemporary political discourse is widely decried as coarse, uncivil, and symptomatic of a general decline in the quality of the political process.
A 2019 Pew Research survey found that 68% of respondents wanted elected officials to “maintain a tone of civility and respect in politics.” Polls reveal that a majority of Americans consider incivility a big problem, which they worry will lead to increased violence.
