Validation of a Model for Overcoming Workplace Mobbing Using a VUCA Approach in the Municipalities of Isfahan and Yazd Provinces
Keywords:
Workplace Mobbing, VUCA, Municipalities, Structural Equation Modeling, PLS, SEM, Organizational Policy, Psychosocial SafetyAbstract
This study aimed to validate a multidimensional model for overcoming workplace mobbing using a VUCA approach among employees of the municipalities of Isfahan and Yazd Provinces. This quantitative, applied, descriptive-survey study was conducted among managers, deputy managers, experts, and employees of municipalities in Isfahan and Yazd Provinces. The statistical population comprised 8,979 employees, including 7,117 in Isfahan and 1,862 in Yazd. Based on the ten-times rule for partial least squares structural equation modeling, 210 participants were selected through a multistage sampling procedure combining purposive screening, cluster, stratified, and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 36-item questionnaire covering six dimensions of strategies for overcoming workplace mobbing. The instrument was assessed for content, construct, convergent, and discriminant validity and for internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and rho_A. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS version 4, and the measurement and structural models were evaluated through PLS-SEM with 5,000 bootstrap resamples. All six structural paths were positive and statistically significant. Structural and organizational policy interventions had the strongest effect on strategies for overcoming mobbing (β = 0.342, t = 5.104, p < .001), followed by disciplinary measures and rewards (β = 0.307, t = 5.203, p < .001), reporting and documentation systems (β = 0.284, t = 4.508, p < .001), value-oriented culture building and prevention (β = 0.218, t = 3.028, p = .002), psychological and individual support (β = 0.156, t = 2.690, p = .007), and social support and the role of colleagues/witnesses (β = 0.095, t = 3.857, p = .003). All VIF values were below 5, Q² values were positive, SRMR was 0.065, and GOF was 0.550. The validated model indicates that overcoming workplace mobbing in municipal organizations requires an integrated VUCA-oriented framework combining structural policies, accountability mechanisms, reporting systems, preventive culture, psychological support, and social support.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Abolfazl Abkar Esfahani, Mohamad Reza Dalvi Esfahan (Author)
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