The standard measure of exposure to low-intensity rude, discourteous behavior at work with ambiguous intent to harm.
| Construct measured | Experienced workplace incivility |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Cortina, Magley, Williams & Langhout (2001) |
| Original publication | Cortina, L. M., Magley, V. J., Williams, J. H., & Langhout, R. D. (2001). Incivility in the workplace: Incidence and impact. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 6(1), 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-8998.6.1.64 |
| Number of items | 7 (original WIS; a 12-item revised version exists) |
| Response format | 5-point frequency scale (0 = Never to 4 = Most of the time / many times), referenced to a recall window such as the past year or five years |
Unidimensional — frequency of exposure to uncivil behaviors from superiors or coworkers (e.g., being put down or ignored) over a defined recall period.
Alphas are commonly reported around .85–.90.
Validated in a large public-sector sample with links to job satisfaction, psychological distress and withdrawal; a substantial literature supports construct validity and distinguishes incivility from harassment and aggression by its ambiguous intent and low intensity.
Court employees originally; since used with employees across sectors, and adapted for instigated (self-reported enacted) incivility.
United States. Translations validated in several languages.