A theoretical model of selective cyber incivility: Exploring the roles of perceived informality and perceived distance

Abstract

We develop and advance a theoretical model which proposes the antecedents of selective cyber incivility may be distinct from the predictors of face-to-face (F2F) incivility. Specifically, our model proposes the physical separation of the perpetrator from the target and lack of sociocultural norms in written cyber communications enhances a perpetrator's sense of perceived informality and perceived distance from the target. Drawing from the attributional ambiguity theory, we further explicate the ways in which selective cyber incivility may be more detrimental to employee outcomes than selective F2F incivility. In doing so, we argue that feelings of distress and rumination are further exacerbated in the case of selective cyber incivility given that it has higher levels of situational and contextual ambiguity than F2F communications. Finally, we posit that targets may be able to draw from their psychological capital and social support to buffer the detrimental impact of incivility experiences on important work- and health-related outcomes. We present our conceptual model in the form of testable propositions to guide future research in this important domain.