Workplace Bullying and Employee Performance in Selected Agro-Industrial Firms in Benin City, Edo State
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Abstract
This study examined workplace bullying and employee performance in selected agro-industrial firms in Benin City, Edo State. Specifically, it assessed the relationship between verbal abuse, aggressive behavior, social exclusion, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, cyberbullying, and employee performance in the selected agro-industrial firms. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 3,184 employees of ten purposively selected agro-industrial firms in Benin City.
Using stratified random sampling and Yamane’s formula, a sample of 426 employees was arrived at and a structured questionnaire was thus administered after which 397 valid responses were retrieved and found usable for the study. Data collected with a structured questionnaire was then analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression (Ordinary Least Squares) via the use of SPSS v24. The study found that verbal abuse, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and
cyberbullying have significant negative effects on employee performance in selected agro industrial firms in Edo State. Conversely, aggressive behavior and social exclusion, though negatively associated with performance, did not show statistically significant effects on employee performance in selected agro-industrial firms in Edo State. The study recommends that agro-industrial firms implement clear anti-bullying policies, establish effective reporting and grievance redress mechanisms, provide continuous training and sensitization for employees on the dangers of workplace bullying, promote supportive organisational cultures that encourage respect and collaboration, and institute employee assistance programmed to mitigate the adverse effects of bullying. In addition, management should monitor and evaluate bullying related interventions through measurable performance indicators to ensure the creation of safe, inclusive, and productive work environments
Using stratified random sampling and Yamane’s formula, a sample of 426 employees was arrived at and a structured questionnaire was thus administered after which 397 valid responses were retrieved and found usable for the study. Data collected with a structured questionnaire was then analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression (Ordinary Least Squares) via the use of SPSS v24. The study found that verbal abuse, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and
cyberbullying have significant negative effects on employee performance in selected agro industrial firms in Edo State. Conversely, aggressive behavior and social exclusion, though negatively associated with performance, did not show statistically significant effects on employee performance in selected agro-industrial firms in Edo State. The study recommends that agro-industrial firms implement clear anti-bullying policies, establish effective reporting and grievance redress mechanisms, provide continuous training and sensitization for employees on the dangers of workplace bullying, promote supportive organisational cultures that encourage respect and collaboration, and institute employee assistance programmed to mitigate the adverse effects of bullying. In addition, management should monitor and evaluate bullying related interventions through measurable performance indicators to ensure the creation of safe, inclusive, and productive work environments
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