Understanding and Addressing Workplace Incivility in Ghanaian Higher Education Institutions: An Exploratory Study

Over the past decade, the landscape of higher education has undergone significant transformations, marked by a shift from socially subsidized services to market-oriented models. As private sector involvement increases, economic forces, such as the expansion of international education markets and reduced government funding, have compelled tertiary institutions to seek alternative funding sources, intensifying competition. Amidst these changes, a critical concern has emerged - workplace incivility. Workplace incivility, characterized by low-intensity deviant behaviour with ambiguous intent to harm, has become a pressing issue in organizational settings, particularly within the higher education context. This study explores the various facets of workplace incivility in Ghanaian Higher Education Institutions, shedding light on its prevalence, forms, and impact on employee performance, job satisfaction, and commitment. The research aims to uncover the contributing factors, including organizational culture and leadership styles, and assess the effectiveness of existing strategies in mitigating incivility.