Perceived Organizational Support and Workplace Incivility: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment in Egyptian Organizations

Purpose – This study investigates the effect of perceived organizational support on workplace incivility through mediating psychological empowerment. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected and analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) by applying to a random sample of 384 employees in governmental organizations with a response rate 64.32%. Findings – The results showed a significant negative effect of perceived organizational support on workplace incivility. Further analysis found that perceived organizational support has positive effect on psychological empowerment. In addition, psychological empowerment plays a critical role in maximizing the impact of perceived organizational support in buffering the negative effect of workplace incivility in Egyptian governmental organizations. Practical implications – In the light of the findings, a number of practical recommendations were suggested to alleviate the negative effect of workplace incivility through developing a health-friendly and civil work environment that prevents the destructive influence of incivility behaviors at workplace. Originality/value – This study adds to previous research by suggesting how organizations can benefit from positive practices in mitigating negative behaviors like work incivility. Keywords: Workplace incivility; Perceived organizational support; Psychological empowerment. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-24-03 Publication date: December 31st 202