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Emna Gara Bach Ouerdian, University of Tunis, Tunis & PRISME Laboratory, Sfax, Tunisia.

Khadija Gaha, Université Sainte-Anne, Nova Scotia, Canada

Nizar, Mansour, University of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.  

In 2021, 95% of newly registered doctors in Tunisia expressed a desire to work abroad. This exodus reflects a system that cannot fulfill its talent's ambitions. Public hospitals, already struggling with insufficient resources and safety concerns, are further weakened by the loss of their workforce.

These challenges are exacerbated by the rise of workplace incivility in Tunisia's public hospitals. Disrespectful and demeaning behavior, often dismissed as trivial, quietly undermines young medical professionals' morale. This corrosive environment not only diminishes their commitment but also reinforces their desire to leave the country, exacerbating the crisis in the healthcare sector.

Exposure to workplace incivility undermines physicians' affective organizational commitment - their emotional attachment and loyalty to their institution. Without this anchor, staying seems pointless. This effect is even more pronounced for physicians with high career commitment: these individuals invest time and energy in their professional development and expect recognition and support in return. When these expectations are unmet, the decision is clear: they leave in search of opportunities that align with their goals.

The solution? Foster an organizational culture that promotes respect and shows zero tolerance for uncivil behaviors. Training in professional behavior, clear policies, and accessible channels to report abuse must become the standard. Additionally, substantial structural reforms are needed to encourage doctors to stay and build a future in their country.

Workplace Incivility is not merely a nuisance but a silent and powerful force that drives young talent to flee. To address this issue, we must give these professionals compelling reasons to stay and invest in building a healthcare system that supports their needs.

To read the full article, please see the Journal of Global Mobility publication:

Gara Bach Ouerdian, E., Gaha, K. and Mansour, N. (2024), "Does workplace incivility trigger the intention to self-initiate expatriation? An investigation among young Tunisian physicians", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 669-690. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-02-2024-0006