Skip to main content

The Evidence Issue and Taking Interventions to Scale: Strengthening the Evidence Base of Workplace Bullying Interventions Through Prevention and Implementation Research

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Book cover Dignity and Inclusion at Work

Abstract

Having learnt about the prevalence, behaviours and impacts of Workplace Bullying, the field is currently moving to focus more on interventions that prevent and manage the phenomenon. Rather than presenting evidence on particular interventions, this chapter introduces a framework that outlines the role of academics and practitioners in advancing this area of research, arguing that only collaboration and the sharing of expertise and perspectives will enable us to improve the design, delivery and refinement of interventions or programmes. Collaboration and the need for different perspectives are vital due to the complexity of the phenomenon. By focusing on scientific principles, the logic underpinning action is strengthened and will help inform the development of emergent practice. Fortunately, the field of Workplace Bullying can learn the lessons of academics and practitioners in the fields of Prevention Science and Implementation Science and the disciplines of Public Health and Human Services. Paying attention to these lessons and building upon their principles can assist in advancing how we in the field of Workplace Bullying respond to this phenomenon, either through prevention or management. This chapter presents an approach to intervention research, including concepts and principles from the fields of Prevention Science and Implementation Science that will guide both academics and practitioners as we move into the latest frontier of Workplace Bullying research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agervold, M. (2009). The significance of organizational factors for the incidence of bullying. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 50(3), 267–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashkanasy, N. (2003). Emotions in organizations: A multi-level perspective. In F. Dansereau & F. J. Yammarino (Eds.), Multi-level issues in organizational behavior and strategy (Research in Multi Level Issues, Volume 2) (pp. 9–54). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1475-9144(03)02002-2.

  • Atkins, M. S., Rusch, D., Mehta, T. G., & Lakind, D. (2016). Future directions for dissemination and implementation science: Aligning ecological theory and public health to close the research to practice gap. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(2), 215–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2015.1050724.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baillien, E., & De Witte, H. (2009). Why is organizational change related to workplace bullying? Role conflict and job insecurity as mediators. Economic and Industrial Democracy, 30(3), 348–371.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baillien, E., Neyens, I., De Witte, H., & De Cuyper, N. (2009). A qualitative study on the development of workplace bullying: Towards a three way model. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 19, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.977.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bickman, L. (Ed.). (1987). Using program theory in evaluation (New directions for evaluation, no. 33). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boatman, J. E., & Sinar, E. F. (2011). The path forward to meaningful evidence. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 4, 68–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-9434.2010.01299.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bosworth, K., & Judkins, M. (2014). Tapping into the power of school climate to prevent bullying: One application of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports. Theory Into Practice, 53(4), 300–307. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2014.947224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. (2015). Translating research to practice in bullying prevention. American Psychologist, 70(4), 322–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Branch, S., & Murray, J. (2015). Workplace bullying: Is lack of understanding the reason for inaction? Organizational Dynamics, 44, 287–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Branch, S., Ramsay, S., & Barker, M. (2007). Managers in the firing line: Contributing factors to workplace bullying by staff – An interview study. Journal of Management & Organization, 13, 264–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Branch, S., Homel, R., & Freiberg, K. (2013a). Making the developmental system work better for children: Lessons learned implementing an innovative programme. Child & Family Social Work, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00845.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Branch, S., Ramsay, S., & Barker, M. (2013b). Workplace bullying, mobbing and general harassment: A review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 15(3), 280–299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brekke, J., Ell, K., & Palinkas, L. (2007). Translational science at the National Institute of Mental Health: Can social work take its rightful place? Research on Social Work Practice, 17, 123–133. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731506293693.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Briner, R., & Rousseau, D. M. (2011). Evidence-based I–O psychology: Not there yet. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 4, 3–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-9434.2010.01301.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Briner, R. B., Denyer, D., & Rousseau, D. M. (2009). Evidence-based management: Construct clean-up time? Academy of Management Perspectives, 23(4), 19–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bukspan, E. (2004). A personal view: Bullying at work in France. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 32(3), 397–406. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069880410001723585.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, J. P., & Gitlin, L. N. (2012). The issue is – How do we change practice when we have the evidence? American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, e85–e88. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.004432.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Butterfoss, F., & Kegler, M. (2009). The Community Coalition Action Theory. In R. DiClemente, R. Crosby, & M. Kegler (Eds.), Emerging theories in health promotion practice and research. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caplan, G. (1964). Principles of preventive psychiatry. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caponecchia, C., & Wyatt, A. (2011). Preventing workplace bullying: An evidence based guide for managers and employees. Sydney: Allen & Unwin (and Routledge internationally).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Catano, V. M. (2011). Evidence-based I–O psychology: Lessons from clinical psychology. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 4, 45–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, F., Park, D. J., & Burke, J. P. (2013). Dissemination: Bringing translational research to completion. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(2), 185–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cortina, L. (2008). Unseen injustice: Incivility as modern discrimination in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 33(1), 55–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crowley, D. M., Coffman, D. L., Feinberg, M. E., Greenberg, M. T., & Spoth, R. L. (2014). Evaluating the impact of implementation factors on family-based prevention programming: Methods for strengthening causal inference. Prevention Science, 15, 246–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-012-0352-8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • D’Agostino, R. B., & Kwan, H. (1995). Measuring effectiveness: What to expect without a randomized control group. Medical Care, 33, AS95–AS105.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Doll, B., & Yoon, J. (2010). The current status of youth prevention science. In B. Doll, W. Pfohl, & J. Yoon (Eds.), Handbook of youth prevention science (pp. 1–18). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J. (2015). Studying program implementation is not easy but it is essential. Prevention Science, 16, 1123–1127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-015-0606-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dusenbury, L., & Hansen, W. B. (2004). Pursuing the course from research to practice. Prevention Science, 5(1), 55–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, M., & Mittman, B. (2006). Welcome to implementation science. Implementation Science, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-1-1.

  • Einarsdóttir, A., Hoel, H., & Lewis, D. (2015). ‘It’s nothing personal’: Anti-homosexuality in the British workplace. Sociology, 49(6), 1183–1199. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038515582160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Einarsen, S. (1999). The nature and causes of bullying at work. International Journal of Manpower, 20(1/2), 16–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Einarsen, S., Hoel, H., Zapf, D., & Cooper, C. (Eds.). (2011). Bullying and harassment in the workplace: Developments in theory, research, and practice (2nd ed.). London: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Escartin, J. (2016). Insights into workplace bullying: Psychosocial drivers and effective interventions. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 9, 157–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Felson, R. B., & Tedeschi, J. T. (1993). Aggression and violence: Social interactionists’ perspectives. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ferris, P. (2004). A preliminary typology of organisational response to allegations of workplace bullying: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 32(3), 389–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, National Implementation Research Network (FMHI Publication #231).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D., Blase, K., & Van Dyke, M. (2011). Mobilizing communities for implementing evidence-based youth violence prevention programming: A commentary. American Journal of Community Psychology, 48, 133–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-010-9410-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flay, B., Biglan, A., Boruch, R., Castro, F., Gottfredson, D., Kellam, S., … Ji, P. (2005). Standards of evidence: Criteria for efficacy, effectiveness and dissemination. Prevention Science, 6(3), 151–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-005-5553-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fox, S., & Stallworth, L. (2005). Racial/ethnic bullying: Exploring links between bullying and racism in the US workforce. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 66, 438–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Funnell, S., & Rogers, P. (2011). Purposeful program theory: Effective use of theories of change and logic models. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamero, N., Gonzalez-Roma, V., & Peiro, J. (2008). The influence of intra-team conflict on work teams’ affective climate: A longitudinal study. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 81, 47–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giesen, F., Searle, A., & Sawyer, M. (2007). Identifying and implementing prevention programmes for childhood mental health problems. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 43(12), 785–789.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glasgow, R. E. (2003). Translating research to practice: Lessons learned, areas for improvement, and future directions. Diabetes Care, 26, 2451–2456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glasgow, R. E., & Emmons, K. M. (2007). How can we increase translation of research into practice? Types of evidence needed. Annual Review of Public Health, 28, 413–433. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.28.021406.144145.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 1261–1267. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.93.8.1261.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Glasø, L., Vie, T., Holmdal, G., & Einarsen, S. (2011). An application of affective events theory to workplace bullying: The role of emotions, trait anxiety, and trait anger. European Psychologist, 16(3), 198–208. https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, D. C., Cook, T. D., Gardner, F. E., Gorman-Smith, D., Howe, G. W., Sandler, I. N., & Zafft, K. M. (2015). Standards of evidence for efficacy, effectiveness, and scale-up research in prevention science: Next generation. Prevention Science, 16, 893–926. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-015-0555-x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Guzzo, R. A. (2011). The universe of evidence-based I–O psychology is expanding. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 4, 65–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-9434.2010.01298.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hage, S., Romano, J., Conyne, R., Kenny, M., Matthews, C., Schwartz, J., & Waldo, M. (2007). Best practice guidelines on prevention practice, research, training, and social advocacy for psychologists. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(4), 493–566. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000006291411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hauge, L., Skogstad, A., & Einarsen, S. (2009). Individual and situational predictors of workplace bullying: Why do perpetrators engage in the bullying of others? Work & Stress, 23(4), 349–358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, D., Catalano, R., & Arthur, M. (2002). Promoting science-based prevention in communities. Addictive Behaviors, 27, 951–976.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez, M., & Hodges, S. (2003). Building upon the theory of change for systems of care. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 11(1), 19–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodgins, M., MacCurtain, S., & Mannix-McNamara, P. (2014). Workplace bullying and incivility: A systematic review of interventions. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 7(1), 54–72. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-08-2013-0030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoel, H., & Einarsen, S. (2010). Shortcomings of antibullying regulations: The case of Sweden. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 19(1), 30–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoel, H., & Giga, S. (2006). Destructive interpersonal conflict in the workplace: The effectiveness of management interventions. Manchester: Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoel, H., Sheehan, M., Cooper, C., & Einarsen, S. (2011). Organisational effects of workplace bullying. In S. Einarsen, H. Hoel, D. Zapf, & C. Cooper (Eds.), Bullying and harassment in the workplace: Developments in theory, research, and practice (2nd ed., pp. 129–148). London: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Høgh, A., Mikkelsen, E., & Hansen, A. (2011). Individual consequences of workplace bullying/mobbing. In S. Einarsen, H. Hoel, D. Zapf, & C. Cooper (Eds.), Bullying and harassment in the workplace: Developments in theory, research, and practice (2nd ed., pp. 107–128). London: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homel, R., & Thomsen, L. (2017). Developmental crime prevention. In N. Tilley & A. Sidebottom (Eds.), Handbook of crime prevention and community safety (2nd ed., pp. 57–86). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homel, R., Freiberg, K., & Branch, S. (2015). CREATE-ing capacity to take developmental crime prevention to scale: A community-based approach within a national framework. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 48(3), 367–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, M., Vickers, M., Jackson, D., & Wilkes, L. (2006). “Like wolves in a pack”: Stories of predatory alliances of bullies in nursing. Journal of Management and Organisation, 12(3), 235–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, M. (2011). Practice note: Is mediation suitable for complaints of workplace bullying? Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 29(1), 25–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karanika-Murray, M., Biron, C., & Øystein Saksvik, P. (2016). Organizational health interventions: Advances in evaluation methodology. Stress and Health, 32, 255–257. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2708.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keashly, L., & Neuman, J. (2009). Building constructive communication climate: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Workplace Stress and Aggression Project. In P. Lutgen-Sandvik & B. Sypher (Eds.), The destructive side of organizational communication: Processes, consequences and constructive ways of organizing (pp. 339–362). New York: Routledge/LEA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keast, R., Brown, K., & Mandell, M. (2007). Getting the right mix: Unpacking integration meanings and strategies. International Public Management Journal, 10(1), 9–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lawler, E. E. (2007). Why HR practices are not evidence-based. Academy of Management Journal, 50(5), 1033–1036.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and social change. Human Relations, 1(1), 5–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, D., & Gunn, R. (2007). Workplace bullying in the public sector: Understanding the racial dimension. Public Administration, 83(3), 641–665.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lutgen-Sandvik, P. (2006). Take this job and … : Quitting and other forms of resistance to workplace bullying. Communication Monographs, 73(4), 406–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magley, V., Hulin, C., Fitzgerald, L., & DeNardo, M. (1999). Outcomes of self-labeling sexual harassment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84(3), 390–402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy, P., Henderson, M., Sheehan, M., & Barker, M. (2002). Workplace bullying: Its management and prevention. In Australian master OHS and environment guide 2003 (pp. 519–546). Sydney: CCH Australia Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milat, A., King, L., Bauman, A., & Redman, S. (2012). The concept of scalability: Increasing the scale and potential adoption of health promotion interventions into policy and practice. Health Promotion International, 28(3), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dar097.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mildon, R., & Shlonsky, A. (2011). Bridge over troubled water: Using implementation science to facilitate effective services in child welfare. Child Abuse & Neglect, 35, 753–756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2011.07.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mrazek, P. J., & Haggerty, R. J. (1994). Institute of Medicine (IOM), Reducing risks for mental disorders: Frontiers for preventive intervention research. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Namie, G., & Lutgen-Sandvik, P. (2010). Active and passive accomplices: The communal character of workplace bullying. International Journal of Communication, 4, 343–373.

    Google Scholar 

  • Namie, G., & Namie, R. (2009). U.S. Workplace bullying: Some basic considerations and consultation interventions. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 61(3), 202–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paull, M., Omari, M., & Standen, P. (2012). When is a bystander not a bystander? A typology of the roles of bystanders in workplace bullying. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 50, 351–366. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7941.2012.00027.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Plovnick, M., Fry, R., & Rubin, I. (1975). New developments in OD technology: Programmed team development. Training and Development Journal, 29(4), 19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reay, T., Berta, W., & Kohn, M. (2009). What’s the evidence on evidence-based management? Academy of Management Perspectives, 23(4), 5–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roscigno, V., Lopez, S., & Hodson, R. (2009). Supervisory bullying, status inequalities and organizational context. Social Forces, 87(3), 1561–1589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rousseau, D. M., Manning, J., & Denyer, D. (2008). Evidence in management and organization science: Assembling the field’s full weight of scientific knowledge through synthesis. Academy of Management Annals, 2, 475–515.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saam, N. (2010). Interventions in workplace bullying: A multilevel approach. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 19(1), 51–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salin, D. (2003a). Bullying and organisational politics in competitive and rapidly changing work environments. International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 4(1), 35–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salin, D. (2003b). Ways of explaining workplace bullying: A review of enabling, motivating, and precipitating structures and processes in the work environment. Human Relations, 56(10), 1213–1232.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samson, L., & Stephenson, M. (2004). Local learning groups and clusters: The potential of working in an integrated team with groups of schools. In M. Blamires & J. Moore (Eds.), Support services and mainstream schools: A guide for working together (pp. 99–115). London: David Fulton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanson, A., Havighurst, S., & Zubrick, S. (2011). The science of prevention for children and youth. Australian Review of Public Affairs, 10(1), 79–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schorr, L., & Schorr, D. (1988). Within our reach: Breaking the cycle of disadvantage. New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stagg, S. J., & Sheridan, D. (2010). Effectiveness of bullying and violence prevention programs: A systematic review. American Association of Industrial Nurses Journal, 58(10), 419–424. https://doi.org/10.3928/08910162-20100916-02.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stormont, M., Reinke, W., & Herman, K. (2010). Introduction to the special issue: Using prevention science to address mental health issues in schools. Psychology in the Schools, 47(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.20447.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vartia, M., & Leka, S. (2011). Interventions for the prevention and management of bullying at work. In S. Einarsen, H. Hoel, D. Zapf, & C. Cooper (Eds.), Bullying and harassment in the workplace: Developments in theory, research, and practice (2nd ed., pp. 359–380). London: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wandersman, A., Duffy, J., Flaspohler, P., Noonan, R., Lubell, K., Stillman, L., … Saul, J. (2008). Bridging the gap between prevention research and practice: The interactive systems framework for dissemination and implementation. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3–4), 171–181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, H., & Cropanzano, R. (1996). Affective events theory: A theoretical discussion of the structure, causes and consequences of affective experiences at work. In B. Staw & L. Cummings (Eds.), Research in organizational behavior (Vol. 18, pp. 1–74). Greenwich: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sara Branch .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Branch, S., Caponecchia, C., Murray, J.P. (2018). The Evidence Issue and Taking Interventions to Scale: Strengthening the Evidence Base of Workplace Bullying Interventions Through Prevention and Implementation Research. In: D'Cruz, P., Noronha, E., Caponecchia, C., Escartín, J., Salin, D., Tuckey, M. (eds) Dignity and Inclusion at Work. Handbooks of Workplace Bullying, Emotional Abuse and Harassment, vol 3. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5338-2_10-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5338-2_10-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-5338-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-5338-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Publish with us

Policies and ethics