Date
11-13-2024
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
Chair
Carlton Lewis
Keywords
strain, workplace violence, discipline, threat assessment
Disciplines
Law
Recommended Citation
Newman, Benjamin, "An Evaluation of Public Perceptions Regarding Strain and Workplace Violence" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6201.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6201
Abstract
Verbal abuse, physical injury, and property damage have become pervasive in employment sectors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared workplace violence as a national health and safety issue. Statistics indicated workplace violence as the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. While previous research has focused on case studies, policies, and awareness, limited data has been published regarding public attitudes related to workplace violence. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand public attitudes related to strain and its involvement in workplace violence. Participants between the ages of 18 and 65, who are currently or formerly employed, and who reside in Springfield, IL were recruited via social media and the local newspaper to participate in an online study. All participants were offered a follow-up interview. The theoretical framework that guided the current study is the General Strain Theory. Research suggests that individuals commit violence in the workplace because of workplace strain. Workplace strain created by excessive work demands, heavy workloads, mental fatigue, and high-risk work is influenced by workplace complaints and discipline. Research indicated that predictive variables exist to provide employers with tools to reduce workplace violence. Research questions included: What behaviors does the public believe employers should consider when assessing for potential violence in employment settings? What limits does the public think employers should have in gathering information and discerning the impact of behavioral data when assessing for workplace violence? What strategies does the public view as effective for employers to prevent workplace violence incidents? Participants in this research perceived strain as a factor in workplace violence. Policies, training, and improved interpersonal communication provide an opportunity to preemptively engage and remove causational factors.
