Socio-psychological theories and contemporary research: Can unmet needs contribute to victimization in the workplace?

Date

2023-03-02

Authors

Yarborough, Jillian Williamson
Ramos Salazar, Leslie

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Abstract

The following paper seeks to uncover potential support for workplace victimization through an examination of employee's needs and needs-based motivation theories. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to explore a sample of 721 web-based comments relating to workplace harassment and conflict. The researchers conclude that if underlying workplace needs can be identified, victims of workplace harassment can be empowered through the development and attainment of unmet needs. The study calls for further research, and consideration of, a managerial shift in practice regarding workplace harassment. Specifically, based on the study's conclusions, managers should contemplate a proactive development approach to employees' needs by seeking to empower victims of workplace mistreatment.

Description

This study applied descriptive phenomenology using an inductive thematic analysis approach to explore women's online, public self-reflection about harassment in the workplace. Themes describing emotional experiences were created from the inductive analysis and compared with existing literature to identify any consistencies and discrepancies. The data was collected from the public website, InHerSight. InHerSight is a website that was developed so that women can share their experiences of disparities in their work environments.

Keywords

2023 Faculty Research Poster Session and Research Fair, West Texas A&M University, College of Business, Department of Computer Information and Decision Management, Poster, Workplace victimization, Workplace harassment, Conflict

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