Aggressive workplace behavior

This study examined workplace bullying and well-being among early-career academic staff of selected universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the relationship between verbal abuse, aggressive workplace behavior, workplace exclusion, and
academic sabotage and well-being of early-career academic staff of selected universities in Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised three thousand, one hundred and fifty-seven (3,157) early-career
academic staff of selected universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Using Yamane’s formula at a 5% margin of error, a sample of three hundred and fifty-five (355) early-career academic staff was determined, and a structured questionnaire was administered after which three hundred and twenty-five (325) valid responses were retrieved and found usable for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression (Ordinary Least Squares) with the aid of SPSS version 24. The study found that verbal abuse, aggressive workplace behavior, workplace exclusion, and academic sabotage have significant negative effects on the well-being of early-career academic staff in selected universities in Edo State. The study recommended that universities implement comprehensive anti bullying policies, establish confidential reporting and grievance redress systems, strengthen mentorship and peer support structures, and provide counselling and employee assistance programmers. Furthermore, university management should monitor and evaluate interventions through measurable well-being indicators to ensure a supportive academic environment that enhances both employee welfare and institutional productivity.