Ethical Analysis of Workplace Violence

Patrick Sherill, a post office employee in Edmond, Oklahoma had a history of work problems and knew that he soon faced termination. On August 20, 1986 he returned to the post office in which he once worked and killed 14 postal employees and soon after killed himself. This is just one of many examples of workplace violence, an ethical issue that is growing at an alarming rate in the U.S. Violence in the workplace has now reached epidemic levels according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice predicted that one in four employees would be victimized by workplace violence.
The Workplace Violence Research Institute, located in Palm Springs, CA. and established in 1993, conducts studies and research into the causes of violence in the workplace. The Workplace Violence Research Institute also develops effective methods to help reduce the potential for incidents and provide consulting ...