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Gender difference in workplace violence associated with job characteristics among civil servants: A nationwide Taiwan survey

Author

Listed:
  • Ping-Yi Lin

    (Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan)

  • Po-Chang Tseng

    (Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taiwan; Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Miin Liang

    (Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Yu Lin

    (Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taiwan; Resource Circulation Administration, Ministry of Environment, Taiwan)

  • Hsien-Wen Kuo

    (Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Defence University, Taiwan)

Abstract

Workplace violence (WPV) is on the rise in occupational settings across Taiwan, with civil servants being no exception to this concerning trend. This study seeks to explore gender disparities in WPV and assess its correlation with job characteristics. A total of 20,046 civil servants from 647 institutions participated in the study, revealing significant gender-based differences in the occurrence of four categories of violence. Upon adjusting for covariates, the findings indicate that female civil servants exhibit higher odds ratios (aORs) for experiencing psychological (aOR=1.62), verbal (aOR=1.43) and sexual harassment (aOR=1.40). Particularly noteworthy is the increased likelihood of WPV among female civil servants compared to their male counterparts, especially within specific demographics: those working in health services (aOR=2.24), local government (aOR=1.64), unmarried civil servants (aOR=1.88) and those in supervisory positions (aOR=1.64). These results hold significant implications for anticipating, preventing and intervening in incidents of WPV within governmental offices. There is a pressing need for enhanced training programmes addressing gender-based WPV, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and intervention strategies for civil servants, especially those identified as more vulnerable based on their demographic and occupational profiles.

Suggested Citation

  • Ping-Yi Lin & Po-Chang Tseng & Wen-Miin Liang & Wen-Yu Lin & Hsien-Wen Kuo, 2025. "Gender difference in workplace violence associated with job characteristics among civil servants: A nationwide Taiwan survey," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(1), pages 222-238, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:46:y:2025:i:1:p:222-238
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X241232812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lan Zhu & Lei Li & Jinghe Lang, 2018. "Gender differences in workplace violence against physicians of obstetrics and gynecology in China: A questionnaire in the national congress," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(12), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Fisher, Bonnie S. & Gunnison, Elaine, 2001. "Violence in the workplace: Gender similarities and differences," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 145-155.
    3. Teris Cheung & Paul H Lee & Paul S F Yip, 2018. "The association between workplace violence and physicians’ and nurses’ job satisfaction in Macau," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(12), pages 1-20, December.
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