Aggression and Victimization Among Employees in Departments of Social Services in Israel

This study examined whether employee stances of hostile attribution, perceived hostile climate, attitudes toward aggression, subjective norms, and perceived control affected workplace aggression and victimization in departments of social services. We also explored differences in workplace aggression and victimization in social services in Israel and compared departments of social services of mixed and nonmixed cities (Arabs and Jews). A sample of 470 social workers employed by social services in Israel completed self-report measures. We used regression analysis to explore levels of aggression and victimization in general and specifically within social services departments in both mixed and nonmixed cities. We also investigated the differences in workplace aggression and victimization between these departments. Stances related to both aggression and victimization were perceived control and perceived hostile climate. No statistically significant differences were found in aggression or victimization levels between mixed and nonmixed cities. However, the relationship between hostile climate and victimization was found to be weaker in mixed cities than in nonmixed cities, suggesting a more complex interaction of organizational climate in different urban contexts. This study shed light on similar stances between aggression and victimization and explicated the phenomenon of workplace aggression using two important aspects of aggression and victimization. Furthermore, the study revealed important differences in victimization patterns between mixed and nonmixed cities’ social services departments, particularly regarding the role of hostile climate in these different settings.