title: Understanding small business engagement in workplace violence prevention programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Worksite wellness, safety, and violence prevention programs have low penetration among small, independent businesses. This study examined barriers and strategies influencing small business participation in workplace violence prevention programs (WVPPs).
  
  
  METHODS
  A semistructured interview guide was used in 32 telephone interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study took place at the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participating were a purposive sample of 32 representatives of small business-serving organizations (e.g., business membership organizations, regulatory agencies, and economic development organizations) selected for their experience with small businesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was designed to inform improved dissemination of Crime Free Business (CFB), a WVPP for small, independent retail businesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thematic qualitative data analysis was used to identify key barriers and strategies for promoting programs and services to small businesses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three key factors that influence small business engagement emerged from the analysis: (1) small businesses' limited time and resources, (2) low salience of workplace violence, (3) influence of informal networks and source credibility. Identified strategies include designing low-cost and convenient programs, crafting effective messages, partnering with influential organizations and individuals, and conducting outreach through informal networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Workplace violence prevention and public health practitioners may increase small business participation in programs by reducing time and resource demands, addressing small business concerns, enlisting support from influential individuals and groups, and emphasizing business benefits of participating in the program.
authors: Rebecca A
authors: RA
authors: Bruening
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Strazza
authors: Maryalice
authors: M
authors: Nocera
authors: Corinne
authors: C
authors: Peek-Asa
authors: Carri
authors: C
authors: Casteel
mesh_terms: D033181:Information Dissemination; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009657:North Carolina; D058012:Small Business; D064450:Workplace Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: CPTED; Health focus: social health; Information Dissemination; Manuscript format: research; Occupational Safety; Outcome measure: other; Prevention; Prevention Research; Qualitative Research; Research purpose: descriptive; Setting: workplace; Small Business; Social Marketing; Strategy: built environment; Study design: qualitative; Target population age: adults; Target population circumstances: education/income level; Workplace Violence