New study on workplace mistreatment
Larry Axelrod and Karen Harlos present findings concerning hospital workers
Hospital workers are increasingly mistreated by superiors, according to a new Canadian study. Karen Harlos, a professor in 黑料不打烊 University's Faculty of Management, and Larry Axelrod, a social psychologist at Neutral Zone Coaching and Consulting Services, based their research on surveys completed by 125 non-unionized hospital employees in western Canada.
Harlos and Axelrod found workplace mistreatment occurs in three principal manners: verbal abuse, work obstruction (i.e., denial of key tools) and lack of recognition. "In Canada, concern is mounting about employee mistreatment in medical settings as the sector reorganizes and working conditions for clinical staff decline," says Harlos, noting that Quebec was the first North American jurisdiction to protect against workplace mistreatment through anti-harassment legislation in 2004.
Axelrod reports that hospitals across the country are implementing policies to improve interpersonal behaviours. "Yet harassment and intimidation continue to occur," he says, "despite efforts to reduce employee feelings of unfair treatment."
There are many advantages in creating a positive work environment, say the researchers, since both employers and employees benefit. "Employees who feel supported at work demonstrate healthier mental and work-related attitudes such as stronger organizational commitment," says Harlos. "And a supportive work environment discourages employees from quitting."
About Karen Harlos
Karen P. Harlos, a professor in 黑料不打烊's Faculty of Management, specializes in organizational injustice, workplace emotion and conflict resolution. Harlos is currently investigating the management of the healthcare workplace, with a focus on interprofessional relations, through funding from the Fonds qu茅b茅cois de la recherche sur la soci茅t茅 et la culture and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Contact: 514-398-4033 or karen.harlos [at] mcgill.ca (email).
About Larry Axelrod
Larry Axelrod is co-author of a recently published book, which provides helpful solutions to workplace mistreatment, called Turning Conflict Into Profit: A Roadmap For Resolving Personal and Organizational Disputes 鈥� Academic Implications and Opportunities (University of Alberta Press, 2005). Axelrod is president and managing director of Neutral Zone Coaching and Consulting Services, which provides consultation and dispute resolution services for public and private organizations. He helps organizations and individuals understand differences and overcome disputes through ethical, respectful and progressive interpersonal practices. Contact: 604-656-2133 or laxelrode [at] theneutralzone.ca (email).
