The increase in the incidence of work-related violence in the United States is characterized by behaviors that range from telephonic threats to murder (Filipczak 39-40). Homicide is now the second most common cause of on-the-job deaths in the United States. Approximately 7,000 work-related homicides occur each year in the United States (Segal 33). More than 80 percent of work-related homicides result from gun-related injuries (Windau 58-9). A general profile of the perpetrator of violent work-related acts is a white male under a high level of stress (Filipczak 39). A more specific profile narrows the age range to 30-40 years old and adds the condition that the individual is entirely dependent financially on the individual's current employment (Schut 125). Victims of work-related violence are predominately males

Individuals with high internal security levels distort communications less than do individuals with low internal security levels (Silberman 85). Thus, it appears that security is a primary need that must be fulfilled before effective interpersonal communications may be established. Insecurity is often a function of the high levels of stress. High levels of stress also have been included in the profile of the violent work-related offender (Filipczak 39). Stress is a state of tension, strain, or pressure, and is a normal reaction resulting from the interaction between an individual and the environment. Reactions to stress may produce either positive or negative results, depending upon the causes of the stress, other factors present in an environment, and characteristics of affected individuals.

The increasing level of violence in American society has also been implicated in the increasing level of work-related violence (McCune 35). More disgruntled employees are turning to force in order to resolve their problems (McCune 38).

Research indicates that stress is often higher among blue-collar workers than among managerial personnel (Friedman 33-4). Job level, associated with job status, was found to be tied to self-esteem. Lower self-esteem was associated with higher levels of stress.

Lipman, Ira A. "Violence at Work." Business Perspectives, Vol. 7, Summer 1994; pp. 14-19.

Bertrand, A.L. Social Organization, 5th ed. (Philadelphia, F.A. Davis, 1992).

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2205
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)