Problem-Focused Coping Strategies, Workplace Bullying, and Sustainability of HEIs

Amina Muazzam, Ambreen Anjum and Anna Visvizi
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Amina Muazzam: Department of Applied Psychology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Ambreen Anjum: Department of Applied Psychology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 54500, Pakistan
Anna Visvizi: Effat College of Business, Effat University, Jeddah 21478, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: Amid the strain related to the necessity of distance learning and related organizational adjustments in higher education institutions (HEIs), this paper re-examines the problem-focused coping strategy and its efficiency in addressing work-related strain. A case for the centrality of a problem-focused coping strategy in maintaining sustainability and resilience of HEIs is made. To this end, the spotlight is directed at workplace bullying in HEIs, which—due to its implications for absenteeism, turnover, and productivity—represents one of the most challenging issues in talent management in HEIs. What is termed here “hidden cost of workplace bullying” constitutes a direct challenge for HEIs sustainability and resilience. The discussion and the findings elaborated in this paper are based on a survey (n = 400) conducted across HEIs in Pakistan. It is argued that the findings are generalizable, which makes this paper an important addition to the literature on sustainability and resilience in HEIs.

Keywords: talent management; HEI sustainability; bullying; coping strategies; problem-focused coping strategies; managerial implications; the hidden cost of workplace bullying (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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