Negative workplace behaviours: an ethical dilemma for nurse managers

Area of Science:

• Nursing Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Workplace Psychology

Background:

• Negative workplace behaviors, including bullying, are prevalent globally across various settings.
• Limited research exists on nurse managers' specific perceptions of these behaviors within healthcare units.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurse managers' perceptions of negative workplace behaviors experienced by their staff.
• To understand the observed and addressed instances of bullying from a managerial viewpoint.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, phenomenological research approach was employed.
• Data were gathered to gain insight into nurse managers' direct experiences and observations.

Main Results:

• Six emergent themes described nurse managers' perceptions: 'that's just how she is,' 'they just take it,' 'a lot of things going on,' 'old baggage,' 'three sides to a story,' and 'a management perspective.'
• Nurse managers reported observing, experiencing, or receiving reports of negative workplace behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Nurse managers encounter and address negative workplace behaviors, facing ethical dilemmas in ensuring fairness.
• The study provides practical guidance for nurse managers to effectively manage and mitigate workplace negativity on their units.