Workplace Bullying

Explaining Workplace Bullying and Harassment

 

Workplace bullying and harassment makes the workplace unsafe.  It is not generally referred to as abuse but the impact on the lives of many workers after a period of sustained workplace bullying and harassment leaves little doubt that workplace bullying and harassment is psychological abuse.

 

There are some similarities between domestic violence and workplace bullying.. Read here about `HR Departments’. One makes the home unsafe, the other makes the workplace unsafe.  The main difference appears to be that there is usually physical violence and a single perpetrator associated with domestic violence; with workplace bullying, it is more about `psychological warfare' and there could be more that one perpetrators (mob bullying) in cases where the main perpetrator has gathered support from others to create a `mob'.

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Bullying is domestic violence at work.

                        The abuser is on the payroll.

                                                               

(Quote from Workplace Bullying, non-profit organization)

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Research indicates that there have always been bullies in the workplace. However, bullies did not receive the notoriety they now have.  One of the reasons why bullies are more powerful now  than ever  before is because of the lack of jobs.  Previously when bullying occurred, the bullied worker simply moved on to another job.  The bully therefore, did not have any power over their targets.  Given the lack of jobs these days, it is now not always possible for bullied staff to move on to other jobs and this is where bullies have gained a stronghold in some organizations where they have power over their targets.

 

There is much written about workplace bullying. What becomes clear is that bullies pick their targets because they perceive their targets to be a `threat' to them.  Bullies do not like confident, independent and highly skilled employees who are valued by their colleagues and others within the organization.  The bully wants these targets to work in a somewhat subservient capacity .  If this does not occur, it enrages the bully. 

 

The moral compass is not something which the bully understands or abides by. Bullies are insecure and attempt to surround themselves with workers who provide glowing accolades and hold them (the bully) in a very high esteem.  

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When bullies hold powerful positions, they are able to control the narrative and convince others that the target is not worthy of the role he/she plays in the organization or that the target needs to be removed for reasons that may be highly suspect.  This creates a `mob' and referred to as mob bullying.

 

There is much information on the internet and in psychological journals about workplace bullying and mob bullying.  There is also information on the role bullies place in toxic workplaces here.

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