Contextual Factors in Workplace Violence

By L Nelson and G Tonks

Workplace aggression and violence spans a continuum that ranges from homicide to discourteous behaviour.

Although incidents at the "lower" end of the scale attract much less popular attention, all forms of violence represent a significant cost to organisations and society in both human and economic terms. Research is in its infancy, with much of the extant literature focusing on the classification of violence, profiles of those involved, explanations of its occurrence, and suggested remedies. Generally theory generation has been limited to the development of process models, psychological profiling and the application of various managerially based solutions. Further, most inquiry into the subject has emanated from the USA. Using data gathered from two case studies, this article explores the workplace context which contribute to violence and, using these, suggests an model of violence.

(CCH Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand. vol. 20, no 2, April 2004)