Supervisor–Worker Relationship Dynamics for Workplace Violence Prevention in Public Sector Human Service Organizations

ABSTRACT

Supervisors of human service organizations can support violence prevention or contribute to experiences of workplace violence. This qualitative study sought to explore the ways in which supervisors prevent opportunities for workplace violence through their relationships with workers. Interviews with 81 workers in publicly administered human services in a Canadian province were analyzed using qualitative techniques. Results show that supervisor attentiveness, supervisor support, involvement by one’s supervisor, and treating workers equally all contributed to workplace violence prevention. Findings provide important practical considerations that detail how supervisors play a critical role in supporting health and safety in human service workplace environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Supervision
• safety
• violence
• worker well-being

Acknowledgments

We greatly appreciate the generous support of our research partners who invaluably supported the research efforts, along with our research funders.

Practice Points

• Workplace violence within human service organizations is comprised of direct and indirect violence when engaged with service users, along with direct violence (such as experiences of bullying or false allegations) when engaged with colleagues.

• Organizational environments can be structured to support workplace safety and prevent violence through adaptations to the interpersonal dynamics within the workplace.

• The supervisory relationship within human service organizations is identified through this qualitative study as an area of organizational development to prevent experiences of workplace violence. Respondents identify attentiveness, support, equality, and involvement of one’s supervisor as supportive dynamics to prevent workplace violence.

• The findings provide a conceptual model for supporting the training and development of supervisors within human service organizations as a component of a workplace safety strategy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The OHS Futures Research Funding Program, Ministry of Labour, Government of Alberta and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.