Relational Aggression in the Workplace

The origins and effects of relational aggression, a more covert and subtle form of aggression employed predominantly by females, has been studied extensively in youth and adolescent populations. This survey of research explores the more recent topic of relational aggression in the workplace in order to identify potential areas of interest for future research.

1. Gender and Organizations Relational aggression in the workplace Wesley Ross PAUP 809 Dr. Berhanu April 4, 2012

2. definitions Workplace Harassment: “Any unwelcome or unwanted conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or an aversion toward another person on the basis of any characteristic protected by law (StrategicHR.org, 2010)” Workplace Aggression: “…Efforts by individuals to harm others with whom they work, or have worked…( Neuman & Baron, 1998, p. 395)” Relational Aggression: “…behaviors, both overt and covert, designed to harm another through the exploitation of a relationship…(Crothers, et.al., 2009, p. 98)”

3. Statement of Purpose Survey the literature on relational aggression in children and adults Historical perspectives Linkages from childhood to adulthood Explore relational aggression in the workplace – its role and effects on motivation Comparative analysis of relational aggression The role culture plays Gender-based Discuss current solutions posited by researchers Relational aggression in the workplace

4. Historical focus on childhood relational aggression New research into adult/workplace relational aggression makes this a “cutting edge” or relevant topic I work for a predominantly female organization with a national campaign designed to bring awareness to relational aggression and develop ways to end it among girls and young women Why relational aggression?

5. Significant literature on childhood relational aggression Somewhat significant literature internationally on relational aggression in the workplace Very recent US-based research into relational aggression in the workplace Literature review

6. “Bullying Among Nurses: Relational aggression is one form of workplace bullying. What can nurses do about it? ( Dellasega , 2009)” “Sexual Versus Nonsexual Workplace Aggression and Victims’ Overall Job Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis ( Lapierre , et.al., 2005)” “Cliques, Rumors, and Gossip by the Water Cooler: Female Bullying in the Workplace (Crothers, et.a ., 2009)” “Workplace Harassment: The Social Costs of Bullying ( Gumbus & Lyons, 2011)” “A Study on Physician Bullying as Gender Harassment to Female and Male Operating Room Nurses in Minnesota (Strauss, 2008) “Eye of the Beholder: Does Culture Shape Perceptions of Workplace Bullying? (Sidle, 2010) Literature review

7. Content Analysis Meta-analysis Research and Literature Reviews Surveying Literature review

8. Are there any differences between male and female types of and responses to relational aggression? Does culture (geographical) play a role in relational aggression? Is relational aggression a predominantly female behavior in an organizational environment? Are there any effects of childhood relational aggression that live on into adulthood? Research questions

9. Research and Literature analysis Journal Articles Proprietary research when appropriate Research method and Sources

10. Relational Aggression in the workplace has not been studied at great lengths in the US until this century – there is a significant need to expand the body of knowledge in this area Relational aggression is a natural component of Social Cognitive Theory as it deals with social interactions and experiences and their influence on development and motivation – this research aims to enhance that linkage Very little is known about the link between childhood and adulthood relational aggression behavior. This research can highlight possible additional avenues for researchers to take to understand this linkage and provide solutions Contribution and significance of research

11. Questions Questions and comments