Workplace Incivility in Academic Libraries: Leadership, Organizational Climate, and Small-State Dynamics in Jamaica

This study examined workplace incivility and bullying in academic libraries in Jamaica, focusing on leadership, organizational climate, and small-state institutional dynamics. It addressed a gap in the literature by exploring how these issues manifested within Caribbean higher education contexts. A qualitative interpretive approach was employed, drawing on survey data from twelve academic librarians across three institutions. Thematic analysis revealed that incivility was experienced through recurring behaviors, including dismissive communication, exclusion from decision-making, and public criticism. Hierarchical governance structures, resource constraints, and leadership practices shaped these behaviors. Findings further indicated that professional visibility, limited job mobility, and interconnected networks discouraged formal reporting and promoted informal conflict resolution. The study highlighted the importance of transparent leadership and strengthened governance frameworks in improving workplace climate in academic libraries.