In this section
Disrespectful Behavior
Disrespectful behaviors are more hostile than inappropriateness, and they are usually aimed directly at another person or persons.
Specific Actions Associated with Disrespectful Behavior
Examples of behavior that indicate disrespect include:
- Public humiliation
- Criticizing, ridiculing, or dismissing achievements
- Shouting
- Degrading an employee/coworker in front of other people
- Inappropriate sarcasm
- Speaking in a condescending or belittling way
- Swearing at another person
- Dismissive or negative gesturing when someone else is speaking
- Talking over another person; poor behavior in meetings
- Refusing to speak to another person for work purposes
- Discounting the person’s thoughts or feelings (“Oh, that’s silly”) in meetings
- Stealing credit for work done by others
The list of specific actions associated with disrespectful behavior emerged from a study of case experiences triaged by the Risk Assessment Team, ongoing research on disruptive behaviors at work, and early intervention and prevention of workplace violence. Research indicates and our own experience suggests that responding to disruptive behaviors at work is early intervention and prevention of workplace violence.
