Exploring the Prevalence of Anti-Social Behaviours in Australian Workplaces

Abstract

Recently, discussions surrounding the prevalence of anti-social behaviours in the workplace have gained momentum due to their potential to negatively affect organisational productivity and individual effectiveness. Broadly speaking, „antisocial behaviour‟ includes any behaviour that can result in emotional, psychological, physical and/or economic harm and can include violence, organisation-motivated and employee aggression, dysfunctional behaviours, victimisation and incivility in the workplace. Although there is much discussion on the topic in academic and practitioner circles, at present little is known about the prevalence of anti-social behaviours from an Australian perspective. This study seeks to address this gap, through conducting a national survey of Australia‟s working population to gain this understanding. Preliminary findings from a pilot study due to be conducted in early 2011 will be presented and discussed in full at the symposium.