Faculty-to-faculty incivility in nursing academia: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Background: There is limited research evidence to show that faculty-to-faculty incivility exists in nursing academia.

Purpose: This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the current qualitative evidence on experiences of incivility between faculty colleagues.

Methods: A meta-aggregation approach was applied according to guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies published from inception to January 31, 2022 were searched from the databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, ERIC, PQDT, Ebook Central, and ProQuest Central Korea.

Results: Thirteen qualitative studies were included, resulting in the following six synthesized findings: (1) incivility tactics, (2) nursing academic environment that enabled incivility, (3) individual characteristics that aggravated incivility, (4) reactions to incivility, (5) coping strategies, and (6) impacts of incivility.

Conclusions: Based on the synthesized findings listed above, this study offers the following four recommendations: (1) the academic culture should be improved, (2) institutional policies and procedures should be prepared, (3) faculty members should be educated on respectful communication skills, and (4) better mentoring programs should be provided to newcomers and novice faculty members. As all relevant studies were conducted in Western countries, it is important for future research to focus on issues pertaining to faculty-to-faculty incivility in Eastern culture.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022321261.

Keywords: Bullying; Incivility; Nursing education; Nursing faculty; Qualitative research; Systematic review.