The Cost of Bad Behavior:
How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business and What to Do About It
by Christine Pearson & Christine Porath
From Publishers Weekly: Most Americans have encountered unpleasant or even hostile colleagues and bosses, but incivility is more than just a human resources problem: it also has a financial cost, argue Pearson and Porath, management professors at Thunderbird School of Global Management and the University of Southern California, respectively. The authors identify the range of behaviors that may be perceived as rude (e.g., inappropriate use of cell, texting during meetings, shutting someone out of a network or team) and quantify the costs of lost time and productivity by disgruntled workers making reduced efforts and possibly suffering from weakened commitment, stress or health problems. Citing such companies with positive cultures as Cisco Systems and Starbucks, the authors illustrate how strong leadership nurtures an environment of cooperation and respect. While the data on the prevalence of rudeness in the workplace is disturbing, the authors maintain an optimistic tone and provide credible, useful tips for managers who recognize that valuing people is not only the right thing to do but the key to profit and productivity.
Review
“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 Transparency
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