Workplace violence has become a highly visible concern, directly impacting organizational effectiveness, employee well-being, and day-to-day relationships at work. It encompasses acts or threats of violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or other disruptive behaviors occurring within job settings—casting a wide net over issues that can affect almost every workplace. Such behaviors not only inflict emotional and psychological harm but can also erode trust, motivation, and collaboration within teams.

Recent industry reports point to a heightened awareness among organizations regarding the significant challenges posed by workplace aggression, both operationally and culturally. Increasing societal and political polarization, combined with ongoing economic uncertainty, continue to foster environments of hostility, bullying, and incivility in the workplace. These trends highlight the critical need for organizations to explore effective ways to maintain a safe, supportive, and productive working climate.

This Research Topic seeks to examine the complexities of workplace violence by bridging theoretical understanding with practical organizational strategies. Of particular interest is how emotions, social intelligence, and various leadership models can either contribute to or help resolve hostile work environments. The shifting dynamics of abusive and bullying relationships at work, as well as the continuum between incivility and outright violence, are central themes—especially regarding how seemingly minor acts of disrespect or unprofessional conduct can escalate into more severe aggression, including persistent bullying, and disrupt team dynamics.

Articles may focus on, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• The antecedents, patterns, and outcomes of abusive, violent, and bullying relationships within organizations
• The evolving manifestations of incivility, harassment, bullying, and aggression among workplace teams
• Psychological and organizational factors that shape workplace culture and influence employee well-being
• The role of leadership practices and social capital in preventing violence, addressing bullying, and supporting those affected
• Differences in how employees respond to bullying, incivility, and aggression, considering variables such as gender and culture
• Evidence-based strategies to enhance team cooperation, workplace health, and organizational effectiveness
• The impact of cultural diversity and cross-cultural perspectives: How cultural norms, values, and communication styles influence perceptions of workplace violence, manifestations of incivility, and strategies for conflict resolution
• Roles with inherent exposure to violence or violent interactions: Examining occupations such as law enforcement, corrections, security, emergency services, social work, and healthcare triage, including how operational demands, training, and organizational policies influence exposure, moral injury, secondary trauma, coping strategies, and support systems for employees routinely facing aggression or violence
• Lessons learned from the rise in workplace violence against healthcare workers during high-stress periods, highlighting the importance of positive organizational practices, resilience-building, and supportive behaviors for well-being

By exploring these areas, this Research Topic aims to foster deeper understanding and spark meaningful solutions for creating safer, more respectful, and positive workplaces.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Dynamics of Workplace Violence: Emotions, Abusive Relationships, and Response in Organizations