ABSTRACT
We have discussed characteristics of individuals and organizations that correlate with hostile and violent acts. Having such information can help an organization ensure a safer workplace: Management can develop policies that prohibit such behaviors and procedures to handle threatening and overtly hostile situations; assess the security of the premises; and evaluate at-risk job applicants and employees. Recognizing that any workplace is vulnerable, an organization can contract with an employee assistance program, mental health professionals, or a mental health agency to provide consultation, evaluations, and debriefings. With such resources in place, managers, supervisors, and employees can be trained to take appropriate actions before, during, and after an incident. But one last preventive action remains: an assessment of the organization's “mental health” and of strategies to correct any deficiencies.
