Contemporary Management - 53A

Case study # 1
Workplace violence
Prepared by:
Mahmoud Nassef Ibrahim
1- Problem definition

Workplace violence is any activity accompanied with physical violence, harassment,

intimidation that occurs at the workplaces.
It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide.
It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors

2- Justification of the problem

Violence in workplaces affects all of the society.

Workplace violence creates ripples that go beyond what is done to a particular victim; it
damages trust, community, and the sense of security every worker has a right to feel
while on the job.
Researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some
workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and
working with volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also
contribute to the potential for violence. Providing services and care, and working where
alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence.
Employees have the right to expect a work environment that promotes safety from
violence, threats, and harassment.

3- List of alternatives

The three main alternative solutions to be applied in order to control and monitor the
workplace violence are:

a) Management commitment and employee participation,

b) Safety and health training,
c) Recordkeeping and program evaluation.
4- Evaluation of alternatives
a) Management commitment and employees participation,
Management side
Acknowledging the value of a safe and healthful, violence-free workplace and ensuring
and exhibiting equal commitment to the safety and health of workers and
patients/clients;
Allocating appropriate authority and resources to all responsible parties. Resource
needs often go beyond financial needs to include access to information, personnel,
time, training, tools, or equipment;
Establishing policies that ensure the reporting, recording, and monitoring of incidents
and near misses and that no reprisals are made against anyone who does so in good
faith.

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Employees side
Participation in the development, implementation, evaluation, and modification of the
workplace violence prevention program;
Discussions and assessments to improve policies and proceduresincluding complaint
and suggestion programs designed to improve safety and security; Occupational Safety
and Health Administration

b) Safety and Health Training

Education and training are key elements of a workplace violence Protection program,
and help ensure that all staff members are Aware of potential hazards and how to
protect themselves and their coworkers through established policies and procedures.
Training in workplace violence prevention will vary according to different employee
groups. Training should be provided to new/current employees, supervisors, and
managers, be conducted on a regular basis, and cover a variety of topics.
c) Recordkeeping and Program Evaluation
Recordkeeping and evaluation of the violence prevention program are necessary to
determine its overall effectiveness and identify any deficiencies or changes that should
be made. Supervisors and managers must be trained to recognize high-risk situations, so
they can ensure that workers are not placed in assignments that compromise their
safety.
An evaluation program should involve the following:
a) Measuring the frequency and severity of workplace violence in order to
determine if prevention programs are having an effect.
b) Analyzing trends and rates in violence-related injuries, lost work time, etc.
5- Recommendations
I recommend applying the first two alternatives immediately in all organizations which
may face such threat, in order to avoid the negative impact of the workplace violence on
its daily operations and reputation;
a) Management commitment and employees participation,
b) Safety and Health Training

References:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3148.pdf
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/workplaceviolence.php
https://www.fbi.gov/.../stats-services-publications-workplace-violence-workplace-viol

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