EXPOSURE TO OCCUPATIONAL VIOLENCE AND THE BUFFERING EFFECTS OF INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

This paper presents a conceptually distinct analysis of the data first reported by Leather et al. Specifically, it investigates the effects of exposure to a variety of forms of work-related violence upon work a ttitudes and general well-being within a sample of UK public house lic ensees-individuals who manage public houses and hold the licence permi tting the sale of alcoholic drinks on the premises. In addition, it ex amines the role of social support in moderating such effects. Based up on a sample of 242 licensees, it reports a consistent interaction betw een exposure to such violence and the availability of perceived intra- organizational support in determining the size of any negative effects upon individual well-being, job satisfaction and organizational commi tment. It is argued that exposure to all forms of work-related violenc e, including intimidation, verbal abuse and threat, should be seen as a potential stressor within the work environment, the negative effects of which are buffered by perceived support from within the organizati on, but not by that perceived to be available from informal sources su ch as family and friends.