Relationship Between Workplace Incivility and Work Withdrawal : The Mediating Role of Emotional Exhaustion and Work Alienation

Authors

  •   Shweta Ranjan Research Scholar, Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, Panchanpur, Gaya - 824 236, Bihar ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6183-3094
  •   Kritika Kumari Research Scholar (Corresponding Author), Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, Panchanpur, Gaya - 824 236, Bihar ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0930-3593
  •   Pawas Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, Panchanpur, Gaya - 824 236, Bihar ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0455-5092
  •   Shantanu Saurabh Assistant Professor, DAV P. G. College, Department of Commerce, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2026/v19i4/175066

Keywords:

workplace incivility, work withdrawal, emotional exhaustion, and work alienation.
JEL Classification Codes : J24, J28, M12, M54
Publishing Chronology: Paper Submission Date : September 5, 2025 ; Paper sent back for Revision : March 5, 2026 ; Paper Acceptance Date : March 15, 2026 ; Paper Published Online : April 15, 2026

Abstract

Purpose : Human resource management is a difficult yet imperative process for fulfilling organisational goals. In particular, the employees with withdrawal behavior are a challenge on a global level. Hence, this paper focused on determining the predictors of work withdrawal. The paper examined the connection between employees’ exposure to uncivil behavior and work withdrawal. Moreover, emotional exhaustion and work alienation were evaluated as mediating variables.

Design/Methodology/Approach : Drawing on conservation resource theory and affective event theory, hypotheses were framed and tested using CFA and SEM in AMOS. 26. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 346 IT employees.

Findings : The results identified work withdrawal as the outcome variable of workplace incivility. Meanwhile, the feeling of alienation and emotional exhaustion among employees partially mediated the relationship between them.

Practical Implications : The study provided deeper insights into the effects of workplace incivility on psychological withdrawal. This knowledge can be used by managers and organizational leaders to frame policies and practices that contribute to sustaining and surviving the organization.

Originality/Value : The originality of this paper lies in integrating the variables of emotional exhaustion and work alienation simultaneously, thereby offering a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which incivility affected employee behavior in the Indian IT sector.

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Published

2026-04-15

How to Cite

Ranjan, S., Kumari, K., Kumar, P., & Saurabh, S. (2026). Relationship Between Workplace Incivility and Work Withdrawal : The Mediating Role of Emotional Exhaustion and Work Alienation. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 19(4), 31–49. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2026/v19i4/175066

Issue

Volume 19, Issue 4, April 2026

Section

Articles
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Scopus
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Europe PMC

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