Quantitative Non-Experimental Correlational Study: Determining Any Existence Between the Predictors of Workplace Violence

Abstract

Workplace violence could have a substantial cumulative effect on many employees in high-risk industries. The problem is a need for improved workplace violence prevention in small, medium-sized enterprises (SME). The workplace is an ideal target for aggression, and existing research currently addresses the prevalence of workplace violence. The purpose of this quantitative non-experimental correlational study addressed in this study was to determine what relationship, if any, exists between the predictors of demographic factors, experiencing racism in the workplace, employee's position, self-assessed workplace performance, and work climate, and the criterion of workplace violence in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the restaurant sector in the city of Killeen, Texas. This study used a quantitative method since it is relational in nature, and existing and validated instrumentation can be used. A non-experimental design was used to collect real-world data and arrived at the conclusions. The sample consisted of 160 participants employed in the restaurant sector in Killeen, TX. Participants completed an online survey that included the workplace violence questionnaire used to assess workplace violence, the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire assessed racism, and the Organizational Climate Scale Short Form measured organizational climate. This quantitative analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between the predictors of demographic factors, experiences of perceived racism, self-assessed workplace performance, and work climate. This study's finding suggested in contrast to males, being female results in a substantial decrease in perceived violence on average, impact on minority employees, and experienced discrimination effects on employee’s performance. This study's results helped to understand the relationship between the predictors of workplace violence that allow business management recommendations for developing a practical preventative strategy.