Provocation in the Workplace: A Qualitative Analysis of Published Arbitration Decisions. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lucero, Margaret A.; Allen, Robert E.
• Is Part Of: Labor studies journal. Volume 44:Number 3(2019:Sep.)
• Page Start: 262
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: provocation/retaliation cycle -- qualitative analysis of arbitration decisions -- precursors to aggression and violence -- target responses to provocation -- discipline decisions; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; Labor unions -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- United States -- Periodicals; Labor unions -- United States -- Periodicals; Labor -- Periodicals; 331
• DOI: 10.1177/0160449X18787050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-449X

Abstract

Workplace violence has become a serious concern for managers and unions. This study examined provocation, a precursor to aggression and retaliation, using a grounded theory approach to evaluate a set of published arbitration decisions. The qualitative analysis identified different forms of behavior that provoked targets, as well as the targets' emotional and behavioral responses to the provocation. In addition, analysis of the arbitrators' decision provides a rich source of information on the key factors that can improve management decision making and union responses to these difficult disciplinary issues. Implications of the findings for future research are also discussed.