Conference paper
AGGRERESSION IN THE WORKING ENVIRNOMENT: A CROSS-SECTORAL SURVEY IN CROATIA
Andrea Russo
; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Croatia
Toni Popović
; NGO Healthy City, Split, Croatia
Ivan Urlić
; University of Split, School of Medicine, Croatia
Vicko Tomić
; NGO Healthy City, Split, Croatia
Abstract
Background: Workplace aggression constitutes a serious problem in individual, organizational and social cause-effect relations.
The aim is to determine the prevalence of such aggression on the pilot sample to test the appropriateness of the research design for
the further conduct of a national survey on the specified topic.
Subjects and methods: The sample included 113 employees in the city of Split, deployed within the public, profit and non-profit
sectors. The research was conducted through an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of pre-coded questions on the sociodemographic
characteristics of the respondents and their perception of interrelations with colleagues and clients/customers of
products and services, exposure to various forms of physical and verbal aggression and the frequency of somatic and psychical
problems caused by the workplace conditions and interrelations in this context.
Results: Although participants did not suffer direct physical assault from associates, and only two of them have experienced it
from clients/customers, they emphasize the frequency of psychical workplace abuse through more subtle forms of physical and verbal
aggression.The training of employees at all hierarchical levels is required for the better understanding of the roles of their associates
and clients/customers. Its effects strengthen their mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity. In this way, the interrelations that many
respondents do not see as good or excellent can be improved, hence improving the prevention of aggression.
Conclusions: The study of aggression should include a broader social context. Aggression tends towards a quantitative and
qualitative expansion in different environments. When individuals seek some benefit for themselves in a dubious way, while
neglecting others, aggressive acts are foreseeable. Therefore, Croatian society has the foundation for aggressive behavior, as it is
unable to make the consensual practice of a moral, political and economic recovery.
Keywords
interrelations; work; aggression; health problems
Hrčak ID:
265717
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2014.
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