A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SLEEP DISTURBANCE AMONG EMPLOYEES IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The problem of physical and psychological violence has garnered considerable focus in both developing and affluent nations. In developing economies, economic instability, poverty, and lack of job opportunities can exacerbate workplace tensions and conflicts. Employees may face precarious working conditions, low wages, and limited access to social protections, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse by employers or colleagues. On the other hand, LeBlanc & Kelloway (2022) argued that in  highly competitive and demanding work environments, employees may experience high levels of stress, burnout, and job insecurity. This can contribute to interpersonal conflicts, aggression, and violence among coworkers or towards supervisors. Factors such as long working hours, tight deadlines, and performance pressures can exacerbate stress levels and increase the risk of workplace violence.

 According to Fletcher, Cavanaugh, & Brakel, (2020), violence comprises a wide range of behaviours and actions that involve abuse and causing injury. Nevertheless, other academics have presented separate definitions of violence. As per prevailing criteria, instances of violence in the workplace, including physical assault, verbal threats, bullying, and similar conduct, are given particular importance. Furthermore, violence comprises all activities that lead to the humiliation, degradation, or harm to an individual's overall well-being, value, and dignity. Likewise, it might seem as intimidation, verbal abuse, or even homicide. Moreover, as stated by Richards (2018), workplace violence pertains to instances in which employees are exposed to mistreatment, intimidation, or physical aggression related to their employment, particularly during their commute to and from work. (Gluschkoff et al., 2019). Mentioned that workplace violence, including harassment, can manifest in psychological, physical, or sexual forms. It can be carried out by one or multiple individuals and can happen on a single occasion or repeatedly (Eurofond, 2019). Acts of violence can occur in the workplace between colleagues or be instigated by external individuals. Unlike harassment and bullying, violence in the workplace does not necessarily involve interpersonal interactions (Eurofond, 2019). Although, verbal violence or aggressiveness is more common in the workplace than physical violence. Any type of violence is considered a stressor that can have significant health impacts on workers.

Unarguably, acts of violence in the workplace have deleterious effects on both the efficiency of a firm and its personnel. Linton et al., (2018) mentioned that, workplace violence poses a significant issue to the health and safety of the working population of which insomnia is one prevalent in numerous developed countries. Studies have shown that women have a greater occurrence of insomnia compared to men (Ohayon & Bader, 2020). According to (Eriksen et al., 2018, insomania involves sleep disturbances, poor sleep, sleep issues, sleeplessness, and sleep quality typically describe symptoms associated with self-reported insomnia. These symptoms include difficulties falling asleep, sustaining sleep, suffering early awakening, or restless sleep Van Laethem et al., 2019). 

No doubt, Sleep disturbances frequently arise from a combination of various causes especially if  the workplace harbours numerous occupational stressors like violence,  this might lead to the emergence of sleep disorders (Van Laethem et al., 2019).  Consequently, insufficient sleep can have an impact on both the organisational and individual aspects of the workplace such as  reduced productivity, higher rates of sickness absence, increased utilisation of healthcare services, and more work-related injuries. This study will therefore carried out a survey in order to critically examine workplace violence and its association with sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent times, workplace violence is a prevalent and concerning issue in Cameroon, impacting the health, safety, and well-being of employees across various sectors. According to Eurofond, employees in service industries such as social work, healthcare, transportation, and education are the most susceptible to workplace violence (Eurofond, 2019, 2022). The effects of workplace violence might range from immediate and severe repercussions to long-lasting chronic health disorders. The worker may experience physical health repercussions as well as psychological and emotional consequences (Lanctôt & Guay, 2018). 

In relation to mental health, research by Gale et al., (2019)  has established a correlation between being exposed to workplace violence and experiencing stress, depression, or symptoms associated with post-traumatic disorders Furthermore, workplace violence is associated with sleep disorders, insomnia, and cardiovascular diseases. Instances of bullying or workplace violence have been found to be correlated with an increased likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes as opined by Xu et al., (2018). 

Conversely, Estryn-Behar et al.,(2018) argued that employees who experience workplace violence have a higher probability of taking sick leave or resigning from their job. Similarly, Magnavita and Garbarino (2017) maintained that workers' health, safety, well-being, and productivity are significantly influenced by sleep. Insufficient sleep can significantly impair cognitive performance, including vigilant attention (Hudson et al., 2019), dexterity (Banfi et al., 2019), executive functioning and performance (Massar et al., 2019), as well as memory and emotional function (Cousins and Fernández, 2019). These factors may contribute to a higher occurrence of work-related traffic accidents, close calls, and injuries, as well as negative consequences for both the organisation and individuals in the workplace. 

Although the existing literature suggests that exposure to workplace violence may exacerbate sleep disturbances among affected employees, leading to adverse health outcomes and impaired functioning. However, the specific relationship between workplace violence and sleep disturbance has not been extensively studied in the Cameroonian context. Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to critically examine workplace violence and its association with sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to critically examine workplace violence and its association with sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Determine the prevalence of workplace violence among employees in Cameroon. 

Identify the factors contributing to workplace violence in organizations in Cameroon. 

Examine the relationship between workplace violence and employees’ sleep disturbances in Cameroon. 

Propose strategies to mitigate workplace violence among employees in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the prevalence of workplace violence among employees in Cameroon?

What are the factors contributing to workplace violence in organizations in Cameroon? 

Is there a relationship between workplace violence and and employees’ sleep disturbances in Cameroon?

What are the strategies to mitigate workplace violence among employees in organizations in Cameroon?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant association between workplace violence and sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon.

Ha: There is a significant association between workplace violence and sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon.

1.6  Significance of the Study

This study findings will help leaders of organizations to develop effective strategies for preventing and managing workplace violence among employees. Additionally, it will provide insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying violence behavior and its impact on mental health.  The study will help management to understand the need to create and promote policies and rules on workplace violence in order to foster a culture that is free from violence among employees in the organization. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to workplace violence and its association with sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on workplace violence and its association with sleep disturbance among employees in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will determine the prevalence of workplace violence among employees in Cameroon, examine the relationship between workplace violence and employees' sleep disturbances, identify the factors contributing to workplace violence in organizations in Cameroon and propose strategies to mitigate workplace violence among employees in organizations in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees of some selected in organizations in Yaounde, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Workplace violence: any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other aggressive behavior that occurs in or is related to the workplace (Al-Shiyab & Ababneh, 2018)

Harassment: any unwelcome or offensive behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Sleep disturbance: refers to any condition that disrupts the normal pattern of sleep.