The Mediating Role of Work Engagement in the Effect of Workplace Incivility on Quiet Quitting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Healthcare Workers
JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, cilt.2026, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 2026 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1155/jonm/5144085
- Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- İstanbul Kültür Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background Workplace incivility is common in healthcare settings and negatively affects employee attitudes and workforce stability, yet its impact on work engagement and quiet quitting remains underexplored. Aim To investigate the mediating role of work engagement in the effect of workplace incivility on quiet quitting intention among healthcare workers. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected between December 2025 and January 2026 from 278 healthcare professionals (managers, physicians, nurses, technicians and administrative staff) at a private hospital in Istanbul, using convenience sampling. Results Workplace incivility correlated positively with quiet quitting (r = 0.388, p < 0.001) and negatively with work engagement (r = -0.274, p < 0.001); work engagement correlated negatively with quiet quitting (r = -0.518, p < 0.001). Work engagement partially mediated the association between incivility and quiet quitting (unstandardised indirect effect B = 0.123, 95% CI [0.068, 0.188]; completely standardised indirect effect = 0.122, 95% CI [0.067, 0.186]); the direct effect remained significant (beta = 0.266, p < 0.001).Conclusions Workplace incivility was associated with higher quiet quitting intention, both directly and indirectly through lower work engagement. Because the design was cross-sectional, these findings describe associations rather than causal effects. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers should treat workplace incivility as a modifiable organisational risk factor for quiet quitting rather than an interpersonal nuisance. Zero-tolerance policies, accessible reporting mechanisms and civility training can reduce exposure to disrespectful behaviour. Because work engagement partially buffers this relationship, managers should also invest in engagement-building strategies such as recognition programmes, participatory decision-making, supportive supervision and adequate staffing. Routine monitoring through staff surveys can identify early warning signs before disengagement affects patient care and retention.