Final answer:
Workplace violence can be triggered by a range of factors including perceptions of unfair treatment, a history of aggression, and alcohol consumption. Both procedural justice and awareness of warning signs are important in preventing violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the often-encountered triggers of workplace violence is the layoff or firing of an individual, a situation which may reveal previously unrecognized violent tendencies.
Such events underscore the importance of understanding the various triggers and predictors of aggressive behavior in the workplace.
Workplace violence includes a range of behaviors from verbal abuse to physical assaults, and it can be precipitated by factors such as perceived injustice or unfair treatment.
Procedural justice is crucial, as fairness in workplace processes can mitigate feelings of resentment that might lead to violence.
For example, research demonstrates that insufficient explanations for pay can result in higher rates of retaliatory behavior, such as stealing.
Different targets of workplace violence exist, and the predictors can vary depending on the target.
For instance, a history of aggression and alcohol consumption are predictors of violence against coworkers, while perceived unfair treatment predicts aggression against supervisors.
Job security concerns and alcohol intake can predict aggression against subordinates.
Awareness and intervention strategies are essential for preventing the escalation of violence, and this involves recognizing warning signs such as intimidation, threats, or sudden behavioral changes.