Aggression in the Workplace: Preventing and Managing High-Risk Behavior

Violence in the workplace has risen to "epidemic" proportions according to the Centers of Disease Control. In this volume, Dr. Marc McElhaney, a specialist in workplace violence, presents a comprehensive guide that no manager can do without when having to prepare for these potentially dangerous and often disruptive events. These are situations that often seem to explode in the workplace without warning, when in fact, they have often long incubated outside the manager's awareness. Utilizing a risk management approach that focuses on the process of how these situations evolve, as opposed to an oversimplified presentation of "profiles", will provide the manager with the needed tools to prevent and effectively intervene, to ensure a safe and cost-effective resolution. This book takes a comprehensive view that covers the broad range of aggression control strategies that an organization can utilize, from the fundamental building blocks of a primary prevention program to specific techniques that the manager can use to defuse and stabilize situations that are already threatening to explode. In between, the author presents a step-by-step description of the assessment and intervention process that should occur when and if an organization is faced with a potentially dangerous set of circumstances. Specific high-risk situations, such as employee termination, are discussed in detail, along with strategies that Dr. McElhaney has found to be particularly effective when having to stabilize, control and ultimately ensure a safe and long-lasting conclusion. Utilizing an approach that combines his knowledge and experience from the fields of threat assessment, risk management, conflict resolution and crisis negotiation, the author focuses on an approach that not only addresses the organization's immediate needs, but which also strives for a resolution and management plan that addresses long-term safety concerns.

Advance Praise for "Aggression in the Workplace"

"If you have any responsibility of dealing with the potential violence in the workplace situation and you want a professional, straight-forward and knowledgeable approach, you must read this book! Dr. McElhaney's common-sense style and years of experience will guide you confidently through the whole process - from policies and prevention programs, to defusing problems and dealing with the potential perpetrator." Michael H. Corcoran, Ph.D. President, California University of Protection and Intelligence Management Co-author of Violence Assessment and Intervention: The Practitioner’s Handbook

"Dr. McElhaney provides invaluable insight from a "hands on" subject matter expert perspective... truly a "must read" resource for the security professional, human resource professional and members of the c-suite." Edward P. De Lise, CPP Vice President of Operations, Consulting & Investigation Services, The Wackenhut Corporation

"This practical and authoritative work by Dr. McElhaney will be heralded as the "primer" on workplace aggression/violence. A must read for HR and security professionals as well as anyone who manages or supervises employees." John Manelos, CPP, CFE Regional Security Advisor, BP Corporation

"Aggression in the Workplace is more than just a reference book for better understanding the risks associated with doing business in today’s world. This book is a tool that coaches managers on how to prepare for the worst while expecting the best in our workplaces." Todd E. Conklin, Ph.D. Workplace Violence Training Specialist Deputy Group Leader, Los Alamos National Laboratory Author of Simple Revolutionary Acts

"This book is a definitive tool for all corporate professionals confronted with the complex issue of workplace violence. All corporate security and human resource managers should keep this book handy as a ready resource." William J. McGrath Corporate Director of Security, Coca-Cola Enterprises