Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of horizontal hostility?

1. Competition within teams

2. Intentional kindness

3. Subtle attacks between peers

4. Supportive behavior

The correct answer is: Subtle attacks between peers

Horizontal hostility is characterized by subtle attacks between peers, which can manifest as gossip, undermining, or passive-aggressive behavior. This type of hostility often occurs in workplace environments where individuals may feel threatened by their colleagues, leading them to engage in covert forms of aggression rather than addressing conflicts openly. It differs from overt hostility in that the attacks are not direct, making them more insidious and often harder to identify or address. This behavior can significantly impact teamwork and collaboration, creating a toxic work environment even when the individuals involved may outwardly appear cooperative or friendly. In contrast, competition within teams, intentional kindness, and supportive behavior do not align with the essence of horizontal hostility. While competition may exist within teams, it does not inherently involve the subtle undermining characteristic of horizontal hostility. Intentional kindness and supportive behavior are constructive actions that seek to foster positive interactions among colleagues, which are the opposite of the undermining subtle attacks indicative of horizontal hostility.