Avoiding Workplace Violence Case Study

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Workplace violence in the United States has become widespread. According to the Department of Labor and Industries, homicide, is the fourth-leading cause of fatal injury. Statistics claim that workplace homicides declined one percent in 2009. Though workplace violence is a rare occurrence, recognizing the signs and emphasizing the safety of employees is paramount to preventing violence in the workplace.

The workplace culture consists of different personalities, often labeled, introvert or extrovert. In March 1998, Matthew Beck, an employee of the Connecticut State Lottery, killed his boss and injured others in a rage. Beck characterized as a successful performer prior to management's request that he take a leave of absence to focus on relieving his anger and stress, which was affecting his job performance.

Beck's behavior prior to his leave of absence corresponds with primal aggression behavior. Beck expressed anger over what he believed was unfair treatment by his employer. Beck, a troubled individual, showed signs of depression, which compromised his inability to focus on-the- job. The Primal aggression model defines this behavior as adrenaline driven. Beck acted instinctively, was short-tempered, and out of control.

However, upon Beck's return to work, coworkers witnessed a normal behavior, a person with high spirits. Beck showed no apparent signs he was capable of committing a horrific crime like the tragic event that occurred in March 7, 1998. Beck's mindset changed to cognitive when he returned to work. He was consumed with anger and a feeling of not considered a valued employee of the Connecticut State Lottery.

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During the time that Beck was off work, his anger progressed and he was willing to do whatever it took to get, what he considered, revenge.

Employees of the Connecticut State Lottery recognized changes in Beck's behavior. In an interview with The New York Times, Beck's supervisor, Angela Bentley commented that "He was always angry about not being promoted, he used to talk about how they treated him unfairly." Joseph Mundry, the shop steward stated that Beck would call to check in while on leave. Though he appeared calm, Mundry noted the head of personnel had expressed concern. Another, employee commented that he had been informed by his sister, also an employee of Connecticut State Lottery that Beck was troubled and considered dangerous.

The Connecticut State Lottery did not recognize Beck's potential for violence. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national center for the analysis of violent crime, profiling and behavioral assessment unit, human behavior is not predictable; however, there are indicators of violent behavior:

Candid threats of harm

Aggressive behavior; bullying, harassment, intimidation

Inappropriate suggestions or references to weapons

Fascination with violent events

Voicing personal problems with family or financial problems

Drug or alcohol abuse

Extreme changes in behavior

Management and employees of the….....

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"Avoiding Workplace Violence" (2011, May 04) Retrieved May 16, 2025, from
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"Avoiding Workplace Violence", 04 May 2011, Accessed.16 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/avoiding-workplace-violence-119220
   

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