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Chapter 20 The Challenges of Violence in the Workplace

Chapter 20 The Challenges of Violence in the Workplace. The Extent of Workplace Violence. Workplace violence has been called “epidemic” with estimates ranging from one million to two million workers experiencing violent victimization every year. Forms of Workplace Violence.

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Chapter 20 The Challenges of Violence in the Workplace

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  1. Chapter 20The Challenges of Violence in the Workplace

  2. The Extent of Workplace Violence • Workplace violence has been called “epidemic” with estimates ranging from one million to two million workers experiencing violent victimization every year.

  3. Forms of Workplace Violence • Workplace violence may occur: • During robbery and other commercial crimes. • During domestic and misdirected affection cases. • In employer-directed situations. • As a result of terrorism or hate or during a strike or demonstration.

  4. Causes of Workplace Violence • Downsizing of companies. • Uncaring working environment. • The availability of guns. • Personality conflicts. • Resentment. • High levels of stress on the job.

  5. Profile of the Perpetrator • The typical perpetrator of workplace violence is a disgruntled, middle-aged white male who is a loner, who either has been or is about to be fired and who is a gun enthusiast. • One in four is suicidal.

  6. Predictors of Workplace Violence • Indicators of impending violent behavior include: • Depression. • Paranoia. • Erratic behavior. • Fixation on a co-worker. • Threats.

  7. Risk Factors for Becoming a Victim • Working alone or in small numbers. • Exchanging money with the public. • Working at night or early in the morning. • Guarding property or valuable possessions. • Working in high-crime areas.

  8. Preventing Workplace Violence • Preemployment screening. • Drug testing. • Employee education. • A “zero tolerance” for any type of violence. • A nontoxic workplace. • Open communication. • Humane termination procedures.

  9. Responding to Workplace Violence • Be prepared by having specific tasks identified. • Keep communication with employees and clients open. • Record exactly what happened, investigate the possible reasons and take corrective steps if needed.

  10. Tasks Should Violence Occur • Alert police. • Attend to injured employees. • Contact victims’ families. • Deal with upset employees. • Organize professional counseling services. • Clean up the premises. • Arrange for additional temporary security. • Communicate with organization’s clients. • Handle members of the press.

  11. Summary Questions • How extensive is workplace violence? • What are the typical forms of workplace violence? • What are the potential causes of such violence? • What are the characteristics of the typical perpetrator of workplace violence? • What might be predictors of workplace violence?

  12. Summary Questions • What factors might increase a worker’s risk of being a victim of violence? • What steps might be taken to prevent workplace violence? • What should be done if workplace violence occurs?

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