Assessing Family-Like Dynamics in the Workplace as Possible Precursors of Workplace Bullying: Psychometric Analysis of a Modified Instrument

Abstract

Background and purpose: Family-like dynamics in workplaces may serve as antecedents to workplace bullying. This study addressed the psychometric properties of an instrument modified to assess family-like dynamics in the workplace.

Design: The investigators used categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) to investigate the psychometric properties of an instrument modified to measure coworker perceptions of family-like dynamics in the workplace.

Methods: Primarily White (95%) study participants (N = 273) completed a brief, demographic form and the modified Family Relationships Index (FRI) of the Family Assessment Scale (FES) (Moos & Moos, 1981, 1986). Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and perceptions of family-like dynamics in the workplace were analyzed using CATPCA.

Results: The modified FRI served as a reasonable model for capturing coworker perceptions of family-like dynamics in the workplace.

Conclusions: Further research is indicated to determine the overall utility of the modified FRI and to ascertain whether family-like dynamics actually are precursors to workplace bullying victimization.

Keywords: bullying; dynamics; ethnology; workplace.