Workplace hostility: defining and measuring the occurrence of hostility in the workforce.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to define a comprehensive construct, workplace hostility, encompassing sub-areas of harmful workplace behaviors. Key characteristics include: perception of the target, persistence, intentionality, nonphysical nature, and organizational affiliation.


METHODS
Pilot study participants (N=42, students and N=35, workers) were small convenience samples. Main study participants (N=393, 70% female) were working individuals and almost 50% reported 1 to 5 years in their current jobs.


METHODS
The two pilot studies collected were surveys face-to-face. The main study used on-line surveys.


RESULTS
Based on the pilot studies, items from the Workplace Hostility Inventory (WHI) were judged as a reasonable set. Results from the main study suggested three subscales related to perceptions of being subjected to hostility: interference with work, denigration, and exclusion. Supervisors produced greater distress on all factors, but only exclusion predicted a desire to leave the organization. Distress was greater when the perpetrator was a woman or a group. After controlling for feelings toward coworkers and supervisors, WHI was not related to job satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
The WHI was found to be an inclusive construct, representing numerous concepts. The WHI is comprehensive and global, encompassing the previous overlap in existing research.
Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, USA. meridith.selden@wilkes.edu
Meridith Pease
MP
Selden
Ronald G
RG
Downey
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009935:Organizational Affiliation; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012938:Social Perception; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*