Working anger : preventing & resolving conflict on the job

In modern America, violence in the workplace has become a given.

In fact, "going postal" has become such a cliche that Americans fail to see the true extent of the problem.

While work-related homicides get lots of news coverage, nonfatal assaults, harassment, bomb threats, rape, and robbery do not -- and the shocking truth is that over 18,000 such incidents occur every "week." Theories to account for these sobering statistics often point to increased workloads, downsizing (or fear of downsizing), and other workplace stressors.

But there is often litle action beyond theorizing. Few organizations are equipped to handle violence or teach their employees how to deal with interpersonal conflicts in the first place.