Examining the Effect of Workplace Incivility on Affective Job Insecurity: Insights from Vietnam

Abstract

Objective. This study examines the impact of workplace incivility from coworkers and supervisors on employees' affective job insecurity in Vietnam and explores the moderating role of collectivist value orientation.Background. While workplace incivility negatively affects employees' psychological well-being and job security, most research has focused on Western contexts. This study addresses the gap by investigating these dynamics in Vietnam, where collectivist values and high power distance are prevalent. Study Design. The study employs a cross-sectional design with survey data collected from employees in various Vietnamese organizations. The relationships are analyzed using hierarchical regression. Participants. The study sample consists of 359 employees from diverse industries in Vietnam. Measurements. Workplace incivility was measured using the Workplace Incivility Scale, affective job insecurity through a seven-item scale, and collectivist value orientation using a six-item scale. Results. Both coworker and supervisor incivility significantly increase affective job insecurity, with supervisor incivility having a stronger effect. Collectivist value orientation moderates the relationship between coworker incivility and job insecurity but not supervisor incivility. Conclusions. The study highlights the stronger impact of supervisor incivility on job insecurity and the role of cultural values in shaping responses to incivility, suggesting that HR practices should align with collectivist values in Vietnamese organizations.