Statement of the problem: The purpose of this research is to determine violent behaviors among co-workers and observed gender differences, based on the assumption that men and women do not perceive or express violent behaviors in the same fashion. Thus, workplace violence prevention programs must consider these differences. Procedure: A self-administered questionnaire that includes demographic questions and the 45 items that make up the Intense Behaviors Scale (Alpha=.93) was used. The scale is divided in three sub-scales, which respond to the model proposed by Davis (1997): early potential (Alpha=.82), escalated potential (Alpha=.83) and realized potential (Alpha=.85). A convenience sample composed of 319 salaried workers was obtained. Results: Most of the study subjects (67.6%) reported behaviors corresponding to the escalated potential stage, followed by 17.8% in the early potential stage and 14.6% in the realized potential stage. Significant differences by gender were observed for the escalated potential (P=.006) and realized potential (P=.003). In both stages, men were observed to present more violent behaviors in the workplace than women were. No significant differences by gender were observed for the early potential stage. Conclusion: Men present more violent behaviors towards co-workers than women, especially in incidents involving physical violence. These gender-based differences should be taken into account when designing workplace violence prevention programs.
Learning Objectives: After reviewing the information on the poster, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the problem of violent behavior among co-workers as an occupational health problem. 2. Understand the Intense Behaviors Scale as a Spanish-language mesure of violent behaviors among co-workers. 3. Recognize gender differences in the expression of violent behavior among co-workers and the implications for prevention. 4. Recognize the importance of gender differences in the prevention of violent behaviors among co-workers in the workplace environment
Keywords: Violence, Workplace Stressors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.