Why incivility at work is a bigger problem than you suspect.
In an accessible and informative style, Pearson and Porath examine the toll that bad behavior can have on otherwise well-functioning companies. And they reveal strategies that successful organizations are using to stop incivility before it takes hold.
Whether it's a standoffish coworker or an arrogant boss, incivility at the office doesn't just affect the moods of a few employees; it hurts an entire company.
Consider these statistics: 12 percent of all employees say they've left jobs because they were treated badly. Fortune 1000 executives spend roughly seven weeks per year resolving employee conflicts. And an astonishing 95 percent of Americans say they've experienced rudeness at work.
Christine Pearson and Christine Porath examine the devastating toll that bad behavior can have on otherwise well-functioning companies. Combining their own scientific research with stories from fields as diverse as criminology, education, and psychology, they show how to spot the roots of incivility, rip them out, and create a culture of respect. They urge managers to stop making excuses, set a zero-tolerance policy, and lead by example.
Bestsellers like The No Asshole Rule and The Power of Nice have shown the hunger for more civility at work; now The Cost of Bad Behavior shows exactly what to do about it.
'Pearson and Porath have hit upon a major issue facing businesses today. Learn the cost of bad behavior and what to do about it in this fascinating, not-to-be-missed book!' —Marshall Goldsmith, bestselling author, What Got You There Won't Get You There and Succession
'Thoroughly researched, clearly written, and with a set of action steps that can save lives and create workplaces that are creative and productive, humane institutions that reclaim the respect we all want and deserve.' —Warren Bennis, from the foreword
'Two towering figures, Christine Pearson and Christine Porath, have now condensed their valuable finds in an agile and eminently readable book. I urge leaders of all stripes to spend a week reading it, reflecting on it, and then planning vital organizational culture changes accordingly.' —P. M. Forni, professor, Johns Hopkins University, and author of The Civility Solution
'Want a plan of action to cut costs at your firm? You will find one in this book, which can save your business some serious dollars.' —G. Richard Shell, Thomas Gerrity Professor, Wharton School of Business, and coauthor of The Art of Woo
'A vitally important, profound, original, and timely book. Blessedly brief, poignant, and clearly written, this book offers concrete advice that can bolster not only the bottom line but also the lifeblood of any business.' —Edward Hallowell, MD, author of Driven to Distraction and CrazyBusy
'Very readable and full of good ideas. This book does a terrific job of translating research into practice.' —Edward Lawler, author of Talent
'A highly readable and deeply insightful book.' —Warren Christopher, former U.S. Secretary of State
'The authors usefully document not only the costs of incivility, but also the potential benefits of creating cultures in which good behavior is the norm. This is the work of the brightest emerging stars in the business school firmament.' —James O'Toole, author of The Executive's Compass and coauthor of Trransparency
