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Understanding and Reducing Negative Interpersonal Behaviors: A Critical HRD Approach to Improve Workplace Inclusion

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The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Human Resource Development

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to describe how negative interpersonal behaviors impact inclusion and the act of relating in spaces of organizing, such as the workplace. We offer a taxonomy of negative interpersonal behaviors based on the perpetrator’s approach and the level of occurrence; and demonstrate how microaggressions, discrimination, incivility, and bullying represent the four quadrants of the taxonomy. Critical HRD strategies to reduce the prevalence of negative interpersonal behaviors include raising organizational awareness, empowering diverse voices, dispensing corrective and disciplinary actions for offenses, and building an inclusive organizational culture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences, College of Technology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Tomika W. Greer

  2. Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    April L. Peters

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  1. Tomika W. Greer
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  2. April L. Peters
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Correspondence to Tomika W. Greer .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Joshua C. Collins

  2. Durham University Business School, Millhill Lane, Durham, UK

    Jamie L. Callahan

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Greer, T.W., Peters, A.L. (2023). Understanding and Reducing Negative Interpersonal Behaviors: A Critical HRD Approach to Improve Workplace Inclusion. In: Collins, J.C., Callahan, J.L. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Human Resource Development. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10453-4_18

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