The identity impact of witnessing selective incivility: a study of minority ethnic professionals

Fernando, Dulini and Kenny, Etlyn (2023) The identity impact of witnessing selective incivility: a study of minority ethnic professionals. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 96 (1). pp. 56-80. ISSN 0963-1798

Accepted Version File will be available on: 28 October 2023. Download (5MB)

Abstract

We examine how minority ethnic employees account for witnessing selective incivility to ethnically similar others. Our study is based on qualitative interviews with British Asian employees – the majority who witnessed incivility directed towards migrant Asian employees working for the same company. Our findings indicate that, for those whose minority ethnic identity was of central importance, witnessing selective incivility towards others from a similar ethnic background can be perceived as an identity threat. We provide insights into three identity work strategies undertaken by witnesses of selective incivility, while illuminating how minority ethnic identity shapes the way witnesses’ respond to selective incivility in the workplace.