Causal Factors of Violence in the Workplace: A Human Resource Professional's Perspective (From Violence at Work: Causes, Patterns and Prevention, P 41-58, 2002, Martin Gill, Bonnie Fisher, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-193122)

• NCJ Number: 193125
• Author(s): A. Giles Arway
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Following a literature review that focuses on factors in workplace violence, this chapter reports on a study that solicited opinions from human resources (HR) managers regarding such violence.

Abstract

The literature review addressed the following topics: social learning theory as an explanation for workplace violence, interpersonal functioning, working environment, stress, management style, co-worker relationships, and romantic obsessions. The study reported in this chapter obtained the opinions from HR managers on the causes of workplace violence, because they viewed the organization from the inside out, and most worked side by side with the daily workers at all levels of the organization. This afforded them a qualified and distinctive perspective on employee attitudes and behavior. The study used an open-ended questionnaire to elicit responses from a select group of 25 HR managers and professionals employed in a major U.S. consumer paper products manufacturing corporation with 32 facilities in the contiguous United States. The sample represented both manufacturing and corporate operations of the corporation. The HR personnel surveyed each represented the facility to which they were assigned. The questionnaire asked the respondents to identify six areas that may influence workplace violence. Three distinct latent sociological categories emerged from the responses: organizational issues (44.1 percent of the total responses), interpersonal conflict issues (29.4 percent), and external issues (26.4 percent). Factors mentioned under organizational issues included terminations, work recognition, working hours, supervision, downsizing/job elimination, working environment, and tasks assigned. Interpersonal issues pertained to romantic/love interests, affairs, supervisor interactions, coworker conflict, inability to communicate, and frustration. External issues included home finance/money problems, stressful events at home, psychological dysfunction, and drug/alcohol abuse. Recommendations for further research are offered. Appended questionnaire and 51 notes