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Testing the strain hypothesis of the Demand Control Model to explain severe bullying at work

Author

Listed:
  • Guy Notelaers

    (Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, The Netherlands; University of Bergen, Norway)

  • Elfi Baillien

    (HUBrussel, Belgium; Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium)

  • Hans De Witte

    (Department of Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium)

  • StÃ¥le Einarsen

    (University of Bergen, Norway)

  • Jeroen K Vermunt

    (Tilburg University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Workplace bullying has often been attributed to work-related stress, and has been linked to the Job Demand Control Model. The current study aims to further these studies by testing the model for bullying in a heterogeneous sample and by using latent class (LC)-analyses to define different demands and control groups and targets of severe bullying. High job demands were associated with a higher probability of being a target of severe bullying, which was particularly true for the very high job demands group. Low job control was also associated with a higher probability of being a target of severe bullying. Moreover, high job control buffered the negative effects of job demands on being a target of severe bullying, particularly when employees reported very little job control and high/very high job demands. Overall, the JDC-Model was supported, suggesting that being a target of severe bullying can be considered as a social behavioural strain.

Suggested Citation

  • Guy Notelaers & Elfi Baillien & Hans De Witte & StÃ¥le Einarsen & Jeroen K Vermunt, 2013. "Testing the strain hypothesis of the Demand Control Model to explain severe bullying at work," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 34(1), pages 69-87, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:34:y:2013:i:1:p:69-87
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X12438742
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    References listed on IDEAS

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