Psychological Violence in the Workplace

Book excerpt: Violence is defined by the World Health Organisation as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, or psychological harm. But while physical violence is seen as unacceptable, why is psychological violence still treated as a secondary concern? This timely book challenges the way harm and violence in the workplace have been conceptualised, translated into law and presented in organisational and management discourse. The authors argue that addressing psychological violence warrants a fresh approach that acknowledges the limits of current thinking and that centres on protecting the values of ethical practice and the people who contribute to organisations, productivity, and the community. Psychological Violence in the Workplace challenges the status quo and advocates a new approach for understanding and responding to the problem of victimisation at work. This book will be of interest to academics and practitioners in the fields of criminology, victimology, law, human resource management, and workplace health and safety.