e most problematic for organizations. A 1993 study by Northwestern National Life Insurance Co. listed 2.2 million assaults at work, 6.3 million threats at work and 16.1 million harassments at work (Sewell, 1996, p. 18).
Why Does Violence Occur in the Workplace?
Various hypotheses cover why workplace violence occurs. In general, a tolerance for violence is growing, primarily because of the extent that violence appears in television, film, and video games. According to one article, ?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 victims' pain and possible deaths as well as other employees' and family members' trauma (Elliott, 1994, p. 287). Tangible costs include those from legal responsibility for deaths, injuries and stress. As a result, worker's compensation benefits, counseling and medical care will be used to reimburse employees. Murders can result in huge legal fees. Employees, families and victims may receive jury awards. Another cost results from loss of employee productivity (Elliott, 1994, p. 287). The...