Strategies employed by Iranian nurses for managing workplace bullying: a qualitative descriptive study

This study aimed to explore the strategies employed by nurses to manage workplace bullying.

Qualitative descriptive study.

The study was conducted in a hospital located in western Iran between 21 March and 22 September 2023.

A purposive sample of 14 nurses was selected.

Data collection was conducted through semistructured in-depth interviews. The collected data were analysed using a conventional content analysis approach. Lincoln and Guba's (2004) criteria were employed to ensure data validity. The data management process was facilitated using MAXQDA software (2020 version).

Nurses' experiences of workplace bullying were categorised into two themes: 'constructive strategies' and 'non-constructive strategies'. These themes were further divided into categories: 'seeking support', 'individual empowerment', 'avoidance', 'confrontation' and 'no reaction'. The subcategories encompassed specific strategies employed by nurses to manage workplace bullying.

The findings demonstrate that nurses use both constructive and non-constructive strategies to manage workplace bullying. Understanding nurses' strategies for managing workplace bullying can assist managers in developing comprehensive intervention programmes to address these issues. It is crucial to provide nurses with training on using constructive strategies and avoiding non-constructive ones. Creating a healthy and supportive work environment and addressing the psychological and social aspects of bullying phenomena also play a vital role in reducing and managing bullying behaviours.