Workplace bullying is defined as persistent, unwanted acts aimed at an individual or a group of people in a professional setting. It is a consistent pattern of abuse from coworkers that causes bodily or emotional injury. These behaviors can be hurtful, frightening, or offensive, making the workplace unpleasant. Bullying in the workplace can take many forms, including verbal abuse, unpleasant behavior, humiliation, and interference with work performance.
Verbal, nonverbal, psychological, and physical abuse, as well as humiliation, can all be used. This sort of professional aggression is particularly challenging because, unlike the traditional school bully, business bullies frequently operate within their organization’s and society’s established laws and policies. It could be committed by coworkers, superiors, or even subordinates.
Bullying in the workplace is typically alleged to have been committed by someone with authority over the victim. Bullies, on the other hand, can be peers or subordinates. When subordinates engage in bullying, this is referred to as upwards bullying. The least obvious aspect of workplace bullying is upwards bullying, which entails manipulating and applying bully-ing tactics against “the boss,” usually for deliberately determined outcomes.
Here are some common examples of workplace bullying:
- Verbal abuse: Harsh words, insults, or offensive language directed at an individual.
- Intimidation: Threats, humiliation, or actions meant to create fear or anxiety.
- Social exclusion: Isolating an individual, spreading rumors, or undermining professional relationships.
- Sabotage: Deliberately undermining someone’s work, withholding necessary information, or interfering with their success.
- Unfair treatment: Discrimination, favoritism, or unequal distribution of opportunities and resources.
- Cyberbullying: Bullying through digital channels, such as email, social media, or other online platforms.
Bullying has also been studied in terms of the larger organizational framework, as well as the group-level mechanisms that influence the occurrence and continuation of bullying behavior.
Bullying can be both hidden and overt. It may be overlooked by superiors, but it is well recognized across the organization. The negative impacts are not restricted to the individuals targeted, and may result in a drop in staff morale and a shift in organizational culture. It can also manifest as oppressive supervision, continuous criticism, and barriers to advancement.
