Introduction to Workplace Violence: Definitions and Scope

Contextualization of the Phenomenon in the Modern Environment

Initiating a training program on the management of violence in the corporate environment requires, in the first instance, abandoning reductionist perceptions that often categorize these events as simply "personal friction" or unavoidable character conflicts.

Workplace violence is not defined by an isolated argument or a moment of operational tension; it is a serious psychosocial risk that undermines the foundations of the organization and profoundly damages the mental health of workers.

In this module, we will approach the problem under a technical and multidisciplinary lens, merging organizational psychology with internationally applicable legal frameworks to understand the magnitude of the problem.

Technical Definition and Operational Scope

When referring to workplace violence, we are talking about any unreasonable incident, conduct or pattern of behavior in which a person suffers aggression, threats, humiliation or injury during the performance of his or her work or as a direct consequence of it.

It is crucial to understand that the "workplace" is no longer limited to the physical premises of the company.

For example, consider the case of an auditor who receives emails with offensive language from his regional manager on a Sunday morning, or who is systematically excluded from the email chain vital to his function.

The operational scope is vast and encompasses digital interactions, business travel and corporate social events.

Objectives of Integrated Analysis

The purpose of breaking down this concept is to empower HR managers, managers and employees to draw a clear dividing line between demanding management and abusive behavior.

Workplace violence is often distinguished by its intentionality and repetition.

We are not referring to a supervisor who, under the pressure of an accounting closure, raises his voice momentarily and then offers apologies, but to patterns designed to override the will of the other.

The final purpose transcends mere regulatory compliance; it seeks to build an organizational culture where dignity is a protected intangible asset, establishing insurmountable barriers to unacceptable behavior.

Summary

Workplace violence transcends mere personal friction, constituting a serious psychosocial risk that undermines organizational foundations and profoundly deteriorates mental health.

Technically, it encompasses any unreasonable behavior, aggression or threat suffered during work, extending its operational scope to digital environments and social events outside the office.

The objective of the analysis is to train managers to distinguish between exigency and intentional abuse, seeking to build a culture where dignity is a protected asset.