Consequences of workplace violence behaviors in Jordanian public hospitals

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of workplace violence against healthcare staff in Jordanian public hospitals. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sample included 334 physicians and nurses employed in eight different public hospitals, different departments and different working shifts were surveyed by filling the designed questionnaire. Findings The findings indicated workplace violence had a clear moderate impact on the respondents’ interaction with patients, performing work responsibilities, ability of making decisions, and professional career. The most frequent workplace violence consequences were damaging staff’s personality and prestige, increasing laziness and unwillingness to serve patients. Workplace violence consequences also included aggressive behavior, fear while dealing with patients, increase job insecurity, and lack of professional responsibility. In addition, demographic variables such as gender, education, job title, working shift, and income showed statistical significant differences in the attitudes of participants toward the consequences of workplace violence. Practical implications This study highlighted the necessity of healthcare policy makers and hospital administrators to establish violence free and safe working environments in order to retain qualified healthcare staff that in turn improves the health services quality. Originality/value There is a lack of research and documentation on violence in the healthcare settings in developing countries. This study is one of the first to examine the consequences of workplace violence that affect public physicians and nurses.