the smaller, less-publicized incidents are the most problematic for organizations. A 1993 study by Northwestern National Life Insurance Co. (reported 2.2 million incidents of workers being assaulted in the work-place, 6.3 million cases of workers being threatened on the job and 16.1 million incidents where workers were harassed in some way( (Sewell, 1996, p. 18).
Why Does Violence Occur in the Workplace?
There are various hypotheses about why workplace violence occurs. In general, there is a growing tolerance for violence, primarily because of the extent that violence appears in television, film, and video games. (Because of layoffs, down-sizing and constantly changing organizations, there(s little trust in today(s workplace and most of what(s left is being replaced by stress and anxiety( (McCune, 1994, p. 52). The days of guaranteed lifetime employment have vanished and employees who previously enjoyed the benefits of such employment are fearful that they will be next to receive pink slips. The response of employees in these situations is that they are more likely to resort to violence. (Cultural diversity, fewer jobs, substance abuse, and a lackluster economy are all increasing friction in the workplace. Finally, domestic disputes are spilling over into the corporate environment with lethal results. For many people, the middle-class lifestyle is slipping away and they(re seeking their revenge by killing those they feel are responsible( (McCune, 1994, p. 52).
The cost of workplace violence to organizations is substantial. The intangible costs include: (the immediate costs of human pain, suffering, and possible loss of life. There is [also] the cost of traumatized employees, families of employees, and co-workers that can never be properly put into financial terms( (Elliott, 1994, p. 287). Tangible costs include: those (brought about by legal liabilities for death, injuries, and traumatic stress. These losses will i...