Killing me softly - a collection of studies exploring moderated mediation effects on the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion: the roles of rumination and gender

Across three independent studies, we explored mediators and moderators for the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion. The current study investigated the moderating effect of gender on the supervisor incivility-emotional exhaustion relationship via rumination. Through an online survey, data was collected from 143 employees, mainly recruited in Germany. Results showed that the effect of rumination on the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion was significant for men, but not for women. Consequently, it is important for companies to deploy zero-tolerance policies for workplace incivility but also equip employees with protective mechanisms to reduce ruminative thoughts.