The adopted culture within today's workplace contributes to the frequency of Workplace Violence incidences that occur. 'Applied Ethics' in the workplace contributes to the development of this culture. Statistics have outlined that insider threats cause the majority of Workplace Violence incidents. These insiders are familiar with operational practices and are familiar with security deficiencies. The risks associated with these deficiencies (physical or procedural) and the will of an employee to take action to solve a dispute creates unsafe working environments.
When insiders are familiar with the 'lay of the land' it makes it hard for security personnel to identify potential threats and identify risk exposure. In order for security personnel to identify potential threats and exposure they must identify the root problem(s) associated with Workplace Violence. The root problem that is often overlooked is 'Applied Ethics' and its influence on the organizational culture. Marion-Webster dictionary defines ethics as "the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with the moral duty and obligation." If a group of governing security bodies were evaluated and ask a question about 'Applied Ethics' the majority of these organizations would outline that their organizational practices are in fact 'ethical' and that the majority of workplace violence issues are caused by bad hires. These organizations may never identify that there could be an even bigger issue associated with violence in the workplace that is linked to 'Organizational Agents' and the management practices that these agents implement to meet organizational goals.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines Workplace Violence as "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site." Statistical evaluations have also outlined that Workplace Violence is a major contributor to homicides within the workplace and that at least 2 million workers file reports of being abused in the workplace every year. These statistics are gathered from reported incidents but when you identify the economical factors associated with the need to 'remain employed' the statistics of abuse may be even higher if employees choose not to report abuse. The following questions can be asked: How much of bad ethical practices do employees tolerate and do not report incidences? How are bad ethical practices putting your organizations at risk?
On the national and state levels there seems to be very little laws that fall outside of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 that provide protection to employees from Workplace Violence. Organizations are given the option to develop sound policies and procedures in an effort to aid the prevention process of Workplace Violence. These policies and procedures rely primarily on effective communication; which in some large organizations can be blurred as information is distributed. Large organizations have a hard time policing these policies and procedures due to decentralization; and often rely on its agents who may be major contributors to Workplace Violence incidents. This often creates the perpetrator to victim conversion which puts the original perpetrator and other innocent victims at risk.
Effective policies and procedures created to deal with the threats of Workplace Violence are the key to recognition and prevention. Different levels of an organization aid the publication and promotion process. These same levels of the organization can implement practices that will influence 'Applied Ethics' and that can make positive contributions to the organizations culture.
Human Resources
1. Ensure that detailed policies and procedures are in place and enforce publication.
2. Measure organizational culture by conducting climate surveys and evaluating turnover rates.
3. Promote open door policy and protect employees who report different forms of Workplace Violence.
4. Evaluate the managerial practices of all personnel who have been designated as 'Organizational Agents'.
5. Promote non-bias investigations.
6. Discourage the cronyism method of management.
Line Management
1. Evaluate and promote organizational policies.
2. Provide consistent training on workplace violence to managers.
3. Promote team building.
4. Meritoriously promote personnel vice promoting through attrition.
5. When Workplace Violence incidences occur ensure that details of the incident are referred to proper management levels and Human Resources for mitigation.
Victims
1. Strive to be an above average employee.
2. Identify current organizational policies.
3. Notify potential perpetrators through the use of Human Resource mediation; placing perpetrators on notice.
4. Document incidences.
5. Seek legal action.
Security Personnel
1. Ensure that there is a policy in place.
2. Conduct non-bias investigations.
3. Gather information from Human Resources and Line Managers on incidents; make recommendations.
4. Foster a relationship with employees.
5. Inform top-level management of risk and threat levels.
6. Protect information that outlines physical vulnerabilities.
Top Level Management
In an effort to prevent insider threats and the contribution that these threats make towards Workplace Violence, organizations need to be founded on an Ethical Prism. This prism consists of an organization's four walls, ceiling (tolerance level) and floor (accountability). The key elements that are needed to foster positive ethical prisms and reduce risk associated with Workplace Violence are:
Accountability - Hold Violators Accountable no matter what position they hold
Tolerance - "0" Tolerance
Transparency - Deploy a checks and balance system
Training - Provide recurring training applications
Non-Bias Practices - Treat Everyone Equal
Team Building - Ensure that the organization promotes team building
Ethical practices foster the organizational culture that exists within the workforce. Sometimes these cultures stray away from the true meaning of 'Applied Ethics' and can cause an increase in Workplace Violence incidents. Organizational awareness can be raised by having sound policies and procedures in place and by promoting these policies and procedures. Insiders pose the largest threats to organizations because they are familiar with the Physical Protection System in place. In an effort to reduce the risk associated with Workplace Violence security personnel must implement security policies that are supported by ethical practices and must operate within a culture that is ethical. Ethical practices reduce the risks associated with deficiencies within Physical Protection System.
Some organizations may not have the staff or expertise required to aid Workplace Violence prevention efforts. Fortunately, there are multiple information sources that are available. Organizations such as the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) and multiple Human Resource consulting firms can help organizations develop policies that are beneficial to prevention. These organizations may also help reduce the risk associated with premise liability lawsuits that are normally the result of Workplace Violence incidents.
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