AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONSEQUENCES OF WORKPLACE BULLYING ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF FEMALE STAFF IN THE CAMEROONIAN HOSPITALITY SECTOR

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Workplace bullying continues to be a troubling occurrence in today's business environment, negatively impacting the well-being of employees, especially in the hospitality industry. This sector, renowned for its rigorous demands and rapid work setting, can occasionally intensify tensions and provide a conducive climate for workplace harassment and bullying. Furthermore, workplace bullying is a problem that affects individuals regardless of their gender. However, female working in the hospitality sector often encounter distinct obstacles and consequences owing to a combination of cultural norms, power dynamics, and industry-specific demands (Kudielka, 2019). In addition to occasional conflicts, workplace bullying can take on different forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, and sabotage. While female employees face gender-based discrimination, bullying, and unequal, which can exacerbate their experiences and create a harmful combination that negatively impacts their psychological well-being and undermines their professional self-assurance. Nevertheless, according to Einarsen (2020),workplace bullying can no longer be considered a ‘myth’ since it is increasingly realized to be an intrinsic aspect of the contemporary experience of females at all hospitality sectors (Chappell & Di Martino, 2018). Furthermore, empirical study has provided evidence of the existence of bullying in hospitality, accompanied by a notable rise in uncivil behaviours. However, certain managers in the sector have failed to confront these uncivil behaviours and recognize the benefits of mitigating workplace bullying in their organizations if left unattended. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate into the consequences of workplace bullying on the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Workplace bullying comprises a variety of harmful actions, such as verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, and undermining an individual's work performance or well-being. The psychological well-being of female employees is profoundly affected by workplace bullying, leading to serious ramifications for their mental health. In addition, prolonged exposure to antagonistic work situations increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression of female employees in the hospitality sector. However, the constant and unyielding demand to achieve success in the face of intimidation and harassment has a negative impact on one's self-esteem and leads to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Furthermore, the worry of reprisal or additional victimization frequently hinders female victims from seeking assistance or reporting occurrences, intensifying their feelings of seclusion and powerlessness (Rayner,2018). Moreover, workplace bullying in the hospitality sector leads to various physical health problems, exacerbating the psychological impact (Nazim, 2021). According to Phina, Patrick, & Nwabuike (2022), persistent stress and worry can result in bodily manifestations such as migraines, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances, which can contribute to increased rates of absenteeism and reduced productivity. The collective impact of these health concerns not only diminishes the overall health and happiness of female employees, but also presents substantial obstacles for employers in terms of effectively managing and retaining their personnel. In addition to its direct effects on female employees, workplace bullying in the hospitality sector also has significant repercussions for organizational culture and performance. An atmosphere that is poisonous due to harassment and intimidation creates a culture of fear and distrust, which gradually diminishes the morale and involvement of employees. Thus, it is in the light of this, the study seeks to investigate into the consequences of workplace bullying on the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate into the consequences of workplace bullying on the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Investigate the prevalence of workplace bullying among female staff in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon. 

Investigate the forms of workplace bullying in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon. 

Investigate the effects of workplace bullying on female psychological well-being in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon. 

1.4 Research Questions 

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the prevalence level of workplace bullying among female staff in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon?

What are the various forms of workplace bullying observed in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon?

How does workplace bullying affect the psychological well-being of female in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant relationship between workplace bullying and the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between workplace bullying and the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The results will lead to the identification of the negative influences of workplace bullying on female psychological wellness. Also, it will provide principles for managing issues of staff wellness. Rubrics for the accomplishment of this dual role by positive psychology will include: maximizing human function and success, well-being and happiness, positive emotion, negative brain, the positive psychology paradox, and flow. Moreover, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the consequences of workplace bullying on the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on  consequences of workplace bullying on the psychological well-being of female staff in the Cameroonian hospital sector in Cameroon. Empirically, this study will investigate the prevalence of workplace bullying among female staff in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon, the forms of workplace bullying in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon and the effects of workplace bullying on female psychological well-being in the Cameroonian hospitality sector in Cameroon. 

Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees of some selected hotel in Limbe, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Workplace bullying: refers to the persistent mistreatment or harassment of an individual or group within a work environment. 

Employees: are people who are employed by a company to carry out particular duties or responsibilities in exchange for pay.

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