Cultural Influences on Workplace Bullying and Violence: Case of Uzbekistan

ABSTRACT: Workplace bullying and violence are important issues that deeply impact employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, and overall workplace culture. This study explores these challenges through two surveys conducted in April 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, involving 92 individuals from the education, production, logistics, and sales sectors. Participants were divided into two groups of 46, with data collected through surveys self-administered in the presence of researchers and face-to-face interviews. The first study focused on workplace bullying, revealing that participants experienced various forms of mistreatment, including verbal abuse, social exclusion, and undermining of their work. Notably, cultural factors played a significant role in shaping the tolerance and perception of these behaviors. The second study examined workplace violence, uncovering instances of physical altercations and psychological harassment. Here, cultural attitudes toward authority, gender roles, and conflict resolution were found to influence the perception and management of such violence. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive strategies for addressing workplace bullying and violence. Developing policies and interventions that respect and reflect local values can help organizations in Uzbekistan foster safer, more inclusive work environments. This research contributes to the ongoing conversation in management and business studies, offering practical insights for organizational leaders, policymakers, and scholars seeking to enhance workplace culture in the region. KEYWORDS: workplace bullying, workplace violence, Uzbekistan, culture