Workplace incivility can occur in any workplace and often takes shape as microaggressions. Microaggressions describe interactions, whether intentional or not, that convey, in subtle but powerful ways, negative messages about specific groups of people. They may be brief or commonplace verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults. They are often unintentional or automatic and are the result of an individual’s implicit bias.
Common displays of workplace incivility
Microaggressions are a common form of workplace incivility and may be described in different ways. We will explore microaggression categorization by:
- Micro-assaults, micro-insults, and micro-invalidations.
- Theme.
Micro-assaults, micro-insults, and micro-invalidations
Sue and colleagues described a continuum of microaggressions. These include micro-assaults, micro-insults, and micro-invalidations.
Micro-invalidations
- Remarks that diminish, dismiss, or negate the realities of people’s social groups.
- Tend to be unconscious and unintentional.
Micro-insults
- Rude and insensitive subtle put-downs of someone’s identity.
- Tend to be unconscious and unintentional.
Micro-assaults
- Intentionally and explicitly derogatory verbal or non-verbal attacks. Often consciously done.
To help deepen your understanding, here are examples of different types of microaggressions:
Example
Asking a female who is studying biology, if she is trying to become a teacher.
Implication
Assumes that because she is a female, she wouldn’t be trying to become a physician.
Example
Telling a physician of Native American heritage, “Your people must be so proud.”
Implication
Assumes that Native Americans are incapable of higher education.
Example
A shop owner follows a person of color around their store because they are worried the person will steal something.
Implication
Carries the assumption that because someone isn’t white, they must be a criminal.
Theme
Microaggressions may also be categorized by theme.
Question
Please use the space below to brainstorm a microaggression related to age.
Examples of other microaggression themes
Example
- “It’s interesting you chose to stay home and care for your dad; most men would probably hire someone so they could keep working.”
- “Wait, Nicole, if you’re coming back to work so soon, who is watching the baby?”
Message
- Choosing to care for a family member over being a provider is not manly.
- Women should stay home with children.
Example
“The way you’ve overcome your disability is so inspiring!”
Implication
A person with a disability is defined as lesser in all aspects of physical and mental functioning.
Example
- “Why does my diabetes patient insist on fasting during the day for the whole month?”
- “I’m surprised at how welcoming everyone was at your church picnic; I expected it to be a lot more intense and preachy.”
Implication
- Religious traditions are unimportant or practicing them is unintelligent.
- Religious people are bigoted or judgmental.
Example
- “You don’t act gay.”
- “Careful, Gina. If you spend too much time with Laura, you might start batting for the other team.”
Implication
- All gay people act the same way and have the same experiences.
- Being gay can be “caught,” or gay people are trying to “turn” others gay.
Example
“Are you sure you were being followed at the store? I can’t believe that.”
Implication
You are not a credible source to describe your personal experiences.
Example
“Are you here observing today? You look too young to be the provider. Where’s your supervisor”?
Message
You are too young to be qualified.
Who microaggressions impact
Let’s explore who can be impacted by workplace incivility.