Chapter 20 The Challenges of Violence in the Workplace

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Chapter 20The Challenges of Violence in the
Workplace
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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.

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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.

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Causes of Workplace Violence

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

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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.

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Predictors of Workplace Violence

• Indicators of impending violent behavior include
• Depression.
• Paranoia.
• Erratic behavior.
• Fixation on a co-worker.
• Threats.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 organizations clients.
• Handle members of the press.

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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?

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Summary Questions

• What factors might increase a workers risk of
  being a victim of violence?
• What steps might be taken to prevent workplace
  violence?
• What should be done if workplace violence occurs?