The moderating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between workplace violence and depression among accountants.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a significant issue within organizations that relates to psychological wellbeing and work performance. Numerous studies have shown that workplace violence is related to adverse mental health consequences, especially depression. Using Social Exchange and Stress-Strain Theory perspectives, this paper explores the impact of negative workplace stressors on mental health impairment and how this relationship may be moderated by job satisfaction. Despite abundant literature on the topic, little research has been conducted on the highly stressful profession of accounting. This study seeks to examine the moderating role of job satisfaction on the association between workplace violence and depression amongst accountants.

METHOD: A time-lagged multi-wave survey research design with a quantitative approach was used for this study. A total of 325 participants, all accountants from different organizations, were included in the study and surveyed across three consecutive waves, each separated by a 30-day interval. Scales measuring workplace violence, job satisfaction, and depression were utilized for data collection.

RESULTS: A positive correlation existed between workplace violence and depression (β = 0.360, p < 0.001) whereas a negative correlation existed between workplace violence and job satisfaction (β = -0.311, p < 0.001). The moderating effect of job satisfaction was significant (β = -0.245, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of job satisfaction weaken the relationship between workplace violence and depression.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the role of job satisfaction in the relationship between workplace violence and employee wellbeing, particularly in high-stress occupations such as accounting. The results also provide implications for organizational interventions aimed at enhancing job satisfaction among employees.