Perceived victimization moderates self-reports of workplace aggression and conflict

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Workplace aggression and conflict are significant issues in organizational settings.
• Understanding the predictors of such behaviors is crucial for effective management and employee well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between personality variables, past antisocial behavior, alcohol abuse, and workplace aggression/conflict.
• To examine the moderating role of perceived victimization (alienation) on these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Survey methodology involving 489 employed men (ages 32-36).
• Assessment of workplace aggression and conflict, personality traits (stress reaction, aggression, control), past antisocial behavior, alcohol abuse, and perceived victimization.
• Statistical analysis to identify correlations and moderation effects.

Main Results:

• Workplace aggression and conflict were significantly correlated with stress reaction, aggression, control, past antisocial behavior, and alcohol abuse.
• Perceived victimization (alienation) moderated these relationships, strengthening the associations between workplace aggression and other risk factors.
• Interaction effects were observed, suggesting a complex interplay of factors.

Conclusions:

• Personality, history of antisocial behavior, and alcohol abuse are key correlates of workplace aggression and conflict.
• Perceptions of victimization play a critical role in exacerbating these behaviors.
• Findings have implications for predicting and managing aggression and conflict in organizational environments.