A Study on the Experience and Perception of Workplace Harassment by Social Welfare Organizations Employees

This study aims to seek ways to eradicate workplace harassment at social welfare organizations by examining the experiences and perception of workplace harassment by social welfare organization employees through in-depth interviews of 13 research participants. Results of this research showed that there were various types of workplace harassments that negatively affected the physical and mental health of employees and work efficiency. As an official authority at organizations where harassment occurred does not play a sufficient role and the administrative authorities are not trustful enough, employees chose to tolerate such practices. Interview participants said that the undemocratic operation of organizations with practices of with coworkers, and the concentration of power make it difficult for them to report harassment cases. Based on these findings, this paper suggested establishing a democratic system in operating social welfare organizations, a mechanism of relief for those in trouble, and mandatory preventive education programs and public campaign activities as alternatives to eliminate workplace harassment.