|
Abstract
|
VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study by Johnson and Indvik was to examine both the causes and costs of workplace violence as well as ways it can be prevented.
METHODOLOGY:
The authors employed a critical review of the literature design in this study.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The authors discussed several causes of workplace violence, some originating in the workplace and some originating outside the workplace. Two causes originating outside the workplace were identified as emotional abuse and domestic abuse. The authors summarized how an employee's relationship with emotionally abusive parents can carry over into the workplace. In this scenario, the authors surmised that employees will play out relationships with their boss as they would with their parents and when a workplace crisis occurs these individuals would act out their emotional trauma. The authors also documented how many incidences of workplace violence are the result of husband's assaulting their wives at work when restraining orders have been placed against them regarding their wives place of residences. Some of the causes of workplace violence originating in the workplace were a violation of the psychological contract between employee and employer, hopelessness about macroeconomic conditions, autocratic work environments, and employee mistreatment. Overall, the authors argued that companies who do not attend to the psychological, financial, and physical well-being of their employees contribute to the potential for workplace violence. To illustrate this point the authors noted that many corporations have been held liable for workplace violence under the rubric of negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of troubled employees. In addition, the authors pointed out that workplace perpetrators do not share the typical criminal profile. However, they recognized that these individuals tend to be loners, angry, paranoid, depressed, and have a fascination with weaponry. To conclude, the authors briefly noted the costs of workplace violence, such as high legal fees, loss of confidence and morale among employees, and lessened productivity.
AUTHORS' RECOMMENDATIONS:
The authors described several prevention measures which they recommended to all corporations. First, corporations needed to enhance their physical security. Second, corporations needed to better train their managers and employers. They noted that this could take the form of trauma plans developed in advance of violent incidents, policies and procedures to detect and remedy potentially violent employees, and the use of threat assessment teams. The authors also suggested that companies empower their employees and provide psychological assistance that addresses employees thoughts and feelings about their work lives.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Domestic Violence in the Workplace
Domestic Violence Victim
Spouse Abuse Effects
Spouse Abuse Victim
Partner Violence
Violence Against Women
Literature Review
Workplace Violence
Adult Offender
Adult Violence
Violence Causes
Violence Effects
Violence Prevention
Prevention Recommendations
Violence Intervention
Intervention Recommendations
Employment Factors
Adult Stress
Adult Substance Use
Offender Stress
Offender Substance Use
Substance Use Effects
Stress Effects
Drug Use Effects
Cost Analysis
02-05 |