Contextual factors in workplace violence

Workplace aggression and violence spans a continuum that ranges from homicide to discourteous behaviour. Although incidents at the "lower" end of the scale attract much less popular and academic attention, all forms of violence represent a significant cost to organisations and society in both human and economic terms. Research is in its infancy, with much of the extant literature focusing on the classification of violence, profiles of those involved, explanations of its occurrence, and suggested remedies. Generally, theory generation has been limited to the development of process models, psychological profiling and the application of various managerially based solutions. Further, most inquiry into the subject has emanated from the United States. Using data gathered from two case studies, this article explores the workplace contexts which contribute to violence and, using these, suggests a model of violence.