The scope of bullying among nurses in a public hospital in the Free State : a mixed-method study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Orientation: Bullying is a form of counterproductive behaviour that is more subtle and more difficult to detect and that can be instigated by either individual or organisational antecedents.Research purpose: This study aims to explore bullying in a public hospital, and strives to contribute to the body of knowledge by providing guidance not only to organisational practitioners but also to employees to assist with the formation of policies and procedures to protect employees against bullying.Motivation for the study: Bullying is currently a substantial phenomenon in schools, and little research exists in South Africa that explains the extent of bullying within organisations. The focus of the study is to explore the possible antecedents and cost of bullying within a public hospital and to provide guidelines for the prevention of bullying behaviour.Research design, approach and method: The design followed was that of a mixed-method study. First, a quantitative approach was used whereby questionnaires were distributed to 77 participants. The questionnaire consisted of five sections, namely demographic particulars, prevalence of bullying and intervention against bullying, types of bullying, Negative Acts Questionnaire and Work Harassment Scale, and the cost of bullying. Data was then analysed by means of descriptive statistics to determine the sample group with the highest prevalence of bullying. The second approach was a qualitative approach that included conducting an in-depth interview with seven participants who volunteered to be interviewed.Main findings: The results represented and discussed suggest that bullying is prevalent in the public hospital in the Free State, and that some of the most prevalent behaviours are that of interrupting someone while they are speaking, belittling someone's opinion, excessive monitoring of work, or flaunting one's status or authority. Antecedents such as attitude, job environment, perception, power and language have been identified as possible causes for bullying behaviour. Whereas anxiety, not looking forward to going to work and constantly feeling tired are some of the psychological cost, a high frequency of sick leave indicated the organisational cost of bullying.Practical/managerial implications: Participants suggested the following interventions that can be implemented by the organisation to possibly prevent bullying behaviour: an orientation programme; a policy on how to interact with staff; complying with the language policy; creating a grievance policy; support groups and training with a specific focus on anger management; emotional intelligence, and coping skills.Contribution: While bullying is prevalent and actively combated elsewhere in the world and in local schools, the importance and consequences thereof should still be realised in South African organisations. This study examined the prevalence of bullying in a public hospital, and the possible antecedents of bullying behaviour, the cost of such behaviours that should be considered by the organisation, and possible interventions that could be implemented. In line with the literature, South African organisations can benefit from realising the importance and implementation thereof.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University