Combating Horizontal Violence and Promoting Healthy Work Environment in Nursing: Striving for Excellence

Vol.2  No.3

Year: 2012

 
Issue: Aug-Oct

Title : Combating Horizontal Violence and Promoting Healthy Work Environment in Nursing: Striving for Excellence

Author Name : Nasreen Sulaiman Lalani

Synopsis :

Interpersonal conflict among nurses (called 'horizontal violence' or 'bullying') is a significant issue confronting the nursing profession. Almost every nurse experiences horizontal violence in her working environment once during her life time. Horizontal violence can be disastrous for nurses’ safety and a threat to the image and dignity of the nursing profession.The paper aims to highlight the factors contributing for horizontal violence and analyze those factors under the umbrella of four major organizational frameworks given by Bolman and Deal (1985) and current literature reviews. Horizontal violence is analyzed under the four major organizational frameworks given by Bolman and deal (1985), such as structural frame, human resource frame, political frame and symbolic frame. Multiple factors leading to horizontal violence and its effects are also examined. In addition, the point of view was further supported with various literature searches to appraise the topic in depth. Factors contributing to horizontal violence includes; strong hierarchical structures, unequal power relations, oppressed group behavior, controlled environment, unsupportive management and leadership styles, lack of autonomy and feedback systems, medical dominancy and unequal distribution of resources, conflicting values, lack of role modeling, aggressive behavior, and ineffective conflict resolution. The horizontal violence if unseen can result in; low job satisfaction, negligence in patients care, stress and burnouts, low self esteem, low morale and productivity. Horizontal violence is endemic in the workplace culture and is an unacceptable and destructive phenomenon. We nurses must work together to address and eliminate such unhealthy behavior from our workplace. Recommendations include; leadership development, nurses’ empowerment, work redesign and service delivery innovation, values-driven organizational culture, recognition and reward systems, and professional growth and accountability.