Predicting Workplace Violence through Empathy and Self-Esteem in Working Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Psychology, Farhikhtagan Clinic, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Student, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Department of Social Cognition, Pardis, Iran.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between empathy and self-esteem with workplace violence against female employees in language institutes in Mashhad. The present study was descriptive-correlational, and sampling was conducted using the convenience method. The final sample included 138 employees who completed online questionnaires, including the Jolliffe and Farrington Empathy Questionnaire (2006), the Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire, and the Workplace Violence against Women Questionnaire (Salehipour, 2021). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation tests and multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that empathy (β=.332, p<0.001) and self-esteem (β=.170, p=0.037) are significant predictors of workplace violence against women. Empathy showed a stronger effect than self-esteem, highlighting the importance of developing emotional skills in the workplace. The findings of this study can contribute to the design of educational programs and organizational interventions to reduce workplace violence.
Workplace violence is a prevalent and complex phenomenon that can have detrimental effects on the psychological, physical, and social well-being of employees. This phenomenon is defined as any behavior or action occurring in the workplace that aims to harm others, exert control over them, or create stress. The importance of examining this issue lies not only in its direct impacts on individuals but also in its broader implications for productivity, job satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships in the workplace (Lim et al., 2022). Workplace violence manifests in various forms, each presenting unique challenges and requiring effective management by organizations.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Organizational psychology
Volume 1, Issue 2
June 2024
Pages 59-66

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