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Moral harassment at work model and inability
Izabel C Martins Campos1, Lizandra da Silva, Rafaela Luiza Trevisan
1Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Santa Catarina, Brazil State Secretary of Administration's Office, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Abstract:
Moral Harassment at Work (MHW) is considered a recurrent practice of humiliation, mockery, isolation, persecution and psychological torture. Its results go beyond the worker private life: represent financial loss, affects the work, the organization, the productivity and the society. This article aims to develop a model of MHW, which characterizes the main components of the phenomenon and their nexus with the inability to work. For this, the Literature field is consulted, in order to identify systematically, the MHW components and their risky factors. The results showed a multifaceted model which demonstrates: the aggressor/victim and the configuration of the Moral Harassment at Work causes. The management of the degraded work. The characteristic features of the inability to work, caused on the victim. The MHW modalities and as a final product, the integration among these components. It is expected that this model can help the Ergonomist comprehending this phenomenon and contribute on the creation of some strategies of prevention on the workplace. It is concluded that the removal or minimization of this occupational risks requires some changes on the job organization, on the people`s behaviour, the leadership styles, on the humanization of the social labor relationship and on the coping this problem.
Insights
Moral Harassment at Work (MHW) is a severe issue impacting individuals and organizations. This study models MHW, linking its components to work inability and suggesting prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Moral Harassment at Work (MHW) involves humiliation, mockery, isolation, and psychological torture.
- MHW negatively impacts workers, organizations, productivity, and society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifaceted model of MHW.
- To characterize MHW components and their link to inability to work.
- To aid ergonomists in understanding and preventing MHW.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review to identify MHW components and risk factors.
Main Results:
- A model demonstrating aggressor/victim dynamics and MHW causes.
- Analysis of degraded work management and MHW modalities.
- Identification of MHW's impact on victim's inability to work.
Conclusions:
- MHW is a complex phenomenon requiring integrated prevention strategies.
- Minimizing occupational risks necessitates changes in job organization, behavior, leadership, and social labor relations.
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