Workplace bullying and thwarted needs: Effects of support from colleagues and hierarchy on turnover intentions

Purpose of the study. - Mobbing was defined as a sequence of actions that occurs frequently (at least once a week) over a rather long period, and consists of comments and hostile schemes expressed by one or more persons toward a targeted individual (Leymann, 1996). Workplace bullying is known for its detrimental effects on the psychological and physical health of employees. Indeed, bullying is associated with a variety of symptoms including dissatisfaction, distress, burnout, disengagement and, turnover intentions. Workplace bullying has a serious impact on mental and physical health and leads to distress or extreme self-destructive behaviors such as suicide. Based on workplace bullying (WB) models, this study aimed at assessing on the one hand, the effects of BW and the frustration of psychological needs (PN) autonomy, competence and social affiliation on the intention of turnover the organization and, on the other hand, mediating effects of social support of colleagues and hierarchy between WB and PN frustration and, turnover intentions. Method.- A questionnaire was completed by employees (n=266) from the Hauts-de-France region. Results. - Regression analyses showed indirect effects of colleagues' support between WB and the intent of turnover while colleagues' support does not mediate the link between PN frustration and turnover intentions. Hierarchical support has a mediating effect in the relationship between HMT and the original intent and, between BP frustration and turnover intentions. Discussion. - We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the present study for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention as well as the avenues for future research.