The effects of direct violence and witnessed violence on the future fear of violence and turnover intention: A study of health employees

Workplace violence in healthcare organizations is a growing problem in Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of violence and witnessed violence on the fear of future violence and turnover intention in health care workers and mediating role of fear of violence in the effect of direct violence and witnessed violence on turnover intention. The population of the study was 299 health care workers. Validity and reliability analyses of the scales were carried out and it was found that each scale was valid and reliable. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results showed that Direct Violence at Work and Witnessed Violence at Work have a significant effect on Fear of Future Violent Events at Work and Turnover Intention. The effect of Direct Violence at Work and Witnessed Violence at Work on Turnover Intention is further increased when the Fear of Future Violent Events at Work is used as a mediating variable. Violence affects those witnessing it as well as the direct victims. This affects both the fear of violence and the turnover intention. Serious precautions should be taken to prevent violence against health workers in order to protect and improve the health of society. It should not be forgotten that healthy societies are possible with healthy health human resources.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Healthcare Management, Business Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey Mahmut Akbolat, Cemal Sezer, Özgün Ünal, Mustafa Amarat & Ayhan Durmuş

1. Mahmut Akbolat