ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)102333
CIS number 03-1478
ISSN - Serial title 0815-6409 - Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand
Year 2003
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Mayhew C., Chappell D.
Title "Internal" occupational violence (or bullying) in the health care industry
Bibliographic information Feb. 2003, Vol.19, No.1, p.59-71. 125 ref.
Abstract This article focuses on "internal" occupational violence (or bullying) in the health care industry. Analysis of the findings of a range of international research studies indicate at least 8% of health care workers experience bullying of one sort or another from their colleagues each year. A further proportion are the recipients of more overt violence from colleagues. The article argues that these internal violent events are manifest on an escalating continuum of abuse, imposition of unreasonable work practices, threats and physical violence. Thus, the incidents differ in severity. Victims subjected to repeated humiliations and threats suffer diminished well-being and reduced productivity. It is concluded that holistic organization-wide prevention strategies are required for effectively reducing the risks of bullying in health care settings.
Descriptors (primary) bullying; human behaviour; plant safety and health organization; violence; health care personnel
Descriptors (secondary) literature survey; human relations; mental health; state of health; work efficiency
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceAustralia
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Stress, psychosocial factors
Browse category(ies) Psychological factors
Violence and terrorism
Health care services
Violence
Bullying and mobbing