final paper

Contemporary Social Problems and the Workplace

9/28/14

Outline

Table of Contents

1. Abstract

2. Introduction

3. Is violence in the workplace a social problem?

4. Causes of workplace violence

5. Individual and social implications of workplace violence

6. Exerts view on workplace violence

7. Ways of curbing workplace violence

8. Conclusion

9. References

1.0 Abstract

The term workplace violence refers to a threat or any act that amounts to harassment, disruptive behavior, intimidation, or violence within the places of work. In a broader perspective, employer or other employees use their positions to undermine their juniors by physically assaulting them, threatening them or even engaging in a homicide activity. This evil is caused by a number of factors within the working environment however managers and stakeholders of different organizations can take immediate measure to prevent or to reduce cases of workplace violence within their organizations.

2.0 Introduction

The term violence has been defined as the use of physical power or force against another person or against a group of people with the intention of silencing or intimidating the person however the result of this act leads to death, deprivation, psychological harm and injury on the person that has been directed against. In places of work, violence against employees especially against the juniors is increasing and statistical reports show that more than two million workers in the United States of America are violently treated by their employees each year. In addition to this, employees who are violently treated by their employers fear reporting it to those in authority because they fear that their employers will treat them more harshly and above all they fear losing their job opportunity. As a result of this, employees continue suffering from harsh treatment and in some cases other employees commit suicide because of the extreme nature of the violence. This essay will analyze some of the leading causes of workplace violence, the effects of this violence as well as the view of the experts on this evil. Lastly will be a discussion of some of the ways in which stakeholders can utilize in order to curb workplace violence.

3.0 Is violence in the workplace a social problem?

Under this section, I will discuss whether violence in the places of work is a social problem or not. In addition to this, is the social pattern under which employees’ people in their places of work get involved in the whole process of being violently treated?( Estrada et.al, 2010).

4.0 Causes of workplace violence

This section of the essay will discuss a number of factors that have been identified by scholars and professionals from different fields as the main cause of workplace violence in our contemporary society. Some of these factors include: working with individuals who are suffering from mental illness, drug or substance abuse in the place of work, working in an environment which is hostile, poor employer-employee relationship, and occurrence of volatile behavior in the place of work (Korgen & Furst, 2012).

5.0 Individual and social implications of workplace violence

Studies show that some of the effects or implications of workplace violence include: death, injury, and depression, increase use of drugs, post-traumatic stress syndrome, emotional upheaval, depression, fear, and anxiety. All these have an effect on the individual and the whole organization, thus all these will be discussed at large in this section of the essay (Ahmed, 2004).

6.0 Exerts view on workplace violence

Different people have different views on workplace violence and experts have condemned employees and organizations that are involved in the whole practice of intimidating their employees. The views of Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be discussed in detailed (Zinkewicz, 2003).

7.0 Ways of curbing workplace violence

Some of the ways in ways in which workplace violence can be reduced include: installation of video and camera surveillance in the places of work to monitor activities of employees and employers within the working environment. In addition to this is introduction of strict punishments to be inflicted on individuals who are engaging themselves in workplace violence. Furthermore, managers and other stakeholders should be friendly and allow employees to freely interact and raise their issues without any fear and this will reduce workplace violence.

8.0 Conclusion

Workplace violence is increasingly posing a threat to the lives of employees in different sectors of the economy. There is need for stakeholders, managers and the society at large to acknowledge the reality of what is taking place in the working environment. Effective mechanisms should be put in place and without any doubt; organizations will be in a good position of identifying signs of workplace violence, thus enabling them to put in place measures that enables them to prevent these cases.

References

Ahmed, S. A. R. (2004). From violence-prone to violence-prepared organizations: Assessing the role of human resources management in preventing workplace violence in American city governments. Western Michigan University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses,, 343-343 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305114882?accountid=32521. (305114882).