Success factors in workplace bullying interventions: From foundational to high-level evidence

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) required for the successful implementation of 11 workplace bullying interventions listed in a taxonomy of workplace bullying interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi approach was used to gather commentary from 51 subject matter experts (SMXs) on factors that contribute to successful implementation of workplace bullying interventions.

Findings

A deductive approach to thematic analysis revealed that organisational infrastructure, commitment and engagement of management and competent and resourced professionals were the most consistently raised CSFs across interventions. These are broadly consistent with suggested implementation drivers previously recommended by researchers in the workplace bullying and implementation science fields.

Research limitations/implications

Two interventions did not receive adequate commentary meaning that key implementation drivers could not be sufficiently identified for them. While harnessing SMX commentary, the paper also develops a model of levels of evidence to guide future research.

Practical implications

This paper can assist organisations in planning and resourcing the implementation of workplace bullying interventions, to help ensure that interventions are as effective as possible.

Originality/value

This paper has value for researchers, practitioners and organisations as it explores factors critical to successful implementation of interventions and also develops a model for the development of enhanced levels of evidence in workplace bullying intervention research.

Citation

Murray, J.P., Branch, S. and Caponecchia, C. (2020), "Success factors in workplace bullying interventions: From foundational to high-level evidence", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 321-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-11-2018-0143