J Korean Acad Nurs.  2016 Apr;46(2):226-237. 10.4040/jkan.2016.46.2.226.

A Grounded Theory Approach on Nurses' Experience with Workplace Bullying

• Kang J
• Yun S

• KMID: 2413153
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2016.46.2.226

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the workplace bullying experience of Korean nurses.
METHODS
Participants were twenty current or former hospital nurses who had experienced workplace bullying. Data were collected through focus group and individual in-depth interviews from February to May, 2015. Theoretical sampling method was applied to the point of theoretical saturation. Transcribed interview contents were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss's grounded theory method.
RESULTS
A total of 110 concepts, 48 sub-categories, and 17 categories were identified through the open coding process. As a result of axial coding based on the paradigm model, the central phenomenon of nurses' workplace bullying experience was revealed as 'teaching that has become bullying', and the core category was extracted as 'surviving in love-hate teaching' consisting of a four-step process: confronting reality, trial and error, relationship formation, and settlement. The relationship formation was considered to be the key phase to proceed to the positive settlement phase, and the participants utilized various strategies such as having an open mind, developing human relationships, understanding each other in this phase.
CONCLUSION
The in-depth understanding of the workplace bullying experience has highlighted the importance of effective communication for cultivating desirable human relationships between nurses.

Keyword

Nurses; Workplace; Bullying; Grounded theory; Interpersonal relations

MeSH Terms

*Bullying
Focus Groups
*Grounded Theory
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Interviews as Topic
Nurses/*psychology
Nursing Staff, Hospital
Tape Recording
Workplace

Figure

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  Figure 1. Coping process of workplace bullying in nursing.

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