Cautious and Violent: Understanding Workplace Violence in the United States

• In Event: Workplace Violence, Exposure to Violent Material, and Vicarious Trauma in Security Research

Abstract

In recent years, worker-on-worker violence has increased, alongside trending decreases in workplace accidents. In addition, women in the workplace are the recipients of the most violence in the workplace. In this interdisciplinary study, we explore the relationship between workplace violence and gender, rank in the workplace, and industry over time. We hope to uncover a more nuanced understanding of workplace violence trends and other elements in the workplace, such as position within the organization. To do so, we employ two datasets: the NCVS, which offers insight into victimization and offender characteristics and relationships, and O*NET data, sponsored by the BLS, which provides details on workplace deaths, injuries, and workplace data. We first match trends over time, and then attempt to disentangle antecedents of workplace violence by position, gender, and industry, among others. By looking at workplace violence trends along gendered lines, we aim to uncover some of the underlying correlates that help explain trends over time. In addition, we consider the role of targeted violence and other Our team, made up of criminologists and I/O psychologists, provides a unique perspective into the issue of workplace violence, that will provide insight for both disciplines.

Author

• Kat Parsons, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE