Citation

Johnson SL, Boutain DM, Tsai JH, de Castro AB. J. Nurs. Adm. 2015; 45(9): 457-461.

Affiliation

Author Affiliations: Assistant Professor (Dr Johnson), University of Washington Tacoma; Associate Professor (Drs Boutain and Tsai), University of Washington, Seattle; and Associate Professor (Dr de Castro), University of Washington Bothell.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NNA.0000000000000232

PMID

26301552

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore how workplace bullying is addressed by hospital nursing unit managers and organizational policies.

BACKGROUND: Although workplace bullying is costly to organizations, nurses report that managers do not consistently address the issue.

METHODS: This study used discourse analysis to analyze interview data and policy documents.

RESULTS: There were differences in the manner in which managers and the policy documents labeled bullying-type behaviors and discussed the roles and responsibilities of staff and managers. Policies did not clearly delineate how managers should respond to workplace bullying.

CONCLUSIONS: These differences can allow management variation, not sanctioned by policy. Unclear policy language can also offer insufficient guidance to managers, resulting in differential enforcement of policies.

Language: en