Speak-Up Culture in Academic Nursing: Empowering Junior Faculty

Abstract

Background: Faculty-to-faculty incivility in academic nursing is well documented, yet speaking up about the unprofessional behaviors of academic colleagues is still a challenge, particularly for junior faculty. Method: A unique faculty development session presented an opportunity to explore junior faculty experiences and perceptions of incivility, with the objectives of addressing concerns in a safe environment, identifying appropriate responses and resources for managing incivility, and supporting decisional influences on speaking up. Results: Junior faculty were valued for their unique perspectives of the institutional culture and empowered as members of speak-up culture in the academic setting. Conclusion: Administrators benefit from intentionally seeking junior faculty perspectives regarding unprofessional faculty behaviors in the academic setting. Overall school culture benefits from ongoing efforts toward discussion, resource development, and upholding policies related to incivility. [ J Nurs Educ . 2020;59(4):210–213.]

Crushing each other with gossip in nursing academia: Sophisticated communication or a symptom of dysfunction?

“…[3,4,13] Young women and those viewed with the most significant potential for career advancement are often the victims of bullying. [24] Early career victims of negative gossip have the stress of working hard to reshape and protect their workplace reputation. Throughout their career, they may blame the gossiper for unfairly criticizing their character.…”

“…Faculty might be uncomfortable managing gossip themselves or may choose to ignore the situation. [9,24,25] 4. WHY GOSSIP?…”

“…Faculty-to-faculty bullying is ongoing and prevalent between and within all faculty ranks and is typically described as horizontal violence. [24] While there is little current work on gossip-related academic activities off campus, older research found that faculty-to-faculty bullying and aggression occur during conferences. [27] Perhaps, gossip is a sophisticated means to solve a problem by manipulating social networking.…”

“…Bystanders should take a clear position and not agree to participate in the conversation (now considered a group gossip session, as others are virtually or physically involved in the unfriendly discussion). [24] Nursing faculty leaders play an essential role in stopping gossip trends and enhancing a climate of civility, which prevents the creation of new victims and past victims from leaving the organization. [31] Workplace behavioural policies only work if reinforced and reviewed for relevance by all the stake-holders of an academic organization, [32] and extra screening before hiring employees regarding social relationships is highly recommended.…”