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Exploring the Impact of Social Identity on the Bullying of Construction Industry Apprentices

Author

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  • Peter Greacen

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • Victoria Ross

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of literature specifically examining the workplace bullying of apprentices and trainees in traditional, male-dominated sectors such as the Australian building and construction industry. Using social identity theory (SIT), the aim of this study was to gather the attitudes, thoughts, and feelings of construction industry leaders to better understand how social identification (i.e., group membership) impacts bullying on targets and perpetrators and the willingness to report bullying to targets and bystanders. Method: One-on-one, semi-structured interviews using a purposive sample of eight leaders from construction and blue-collar industries. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: difficulties for apprentices transitioning into industry, the need for continued improvement in industry culture, reluctance to report bullying, and rethinking apprenticeships to empower. Each theme provides insight into the psychosocial phenomenon of the bullying of trade apprentices and suggests that an apprentice’s level of social identification with work groups shapes how bullying is identified, interpreted, and prevented. Conclusion: Findings from this study will be important for tailoring evidence-based interventions, human resource policies, and initiatives for education and awareness training. Themes also highlight systemic inadequacies impacting apprentices’ mental health and skill development, with implications for the future sustainability of apprenticeship training agreements.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Greacen & Victoria Ross, 2023. "Exploring the Impact of Social Identity on the Bullying of Construction Industry Apprentices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:21:p:6980-:d:1268244
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Victoria Ross & Neil Caton & Jorgen Gullestrup & Kairi Kõlves, 2020. "A Longitudinal Assessment of Two Suicide Prevention Training Programs for the Construction Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-8, January.
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