The most dangerous employees in the workplace: Those who feel excluded and disrespected

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the existing literature on workplace respect and to help explain how employees who feel excluded and disrespected at work may retaliate against the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of the literature was conducted. This review is prepared by an independent writer who adds her own impartial comments and places the studies in context.

Findings

Based on the findings of the studies reviewed, employees who feel disrespected at work may retaliate by complaining or withdrawing from work. The emotions and hurt feelings resulting from disrespectful behavior are often hard to articulate, and managers may not realize how hurtful their actions are to the employee. The paper offers suggestions on how organizations may reduce the potential damage by reflecting on their work environment that may be fueling employee negativity.

Originality/value

This briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

Lilly, J. (2020), "The most dangerous employees in the workplace: Those who feel excluded and disrespected", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 9-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-08-2019-0183