Workplace Bullying: Is It Really a Serious Issue?
From the Eye on the Workforce Blog
by Joe Wynne
Workforce management is a key part of project success, but project managers often find it difficult to get trustworthy information on what really works. From interpersonal interactions to big workforce issues we'll look the latest research and proven techniques to find the most effective solutions for your projects.
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With everything else you have to worry about, should workplace bullying be on your radar? Does it really happen that often?
Maybe you need to see what is called "bullying."
Definitions used in studies discussed here are
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"repeated mistreatment: sabotage by others that prevented work from getting done, verbal abuse, threatening conduct, intimidation, & humiliation" and
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"repeated, health harming abusive conduct committed by bosses and co-workers"
Have you seen this kind of behavior? What effect did it have on workforce performance?
See if your instincts are correct. Which of the following do you think are true?
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Over a third of workers have experienced bullying firsthand
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Bullying is 4X more prevalent than illegal harassment
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The majority of bullying is same-gender harassment
Each of these statements is true according to the studies. An additional 15% witness bullying. That's nearly half of workers affected by it. So it should be on your radar.
For your part, you can work to prevent bullying. Support project values that promote respectful interactions. Intervene appropriately when you see it, but see your HR rep for assistance prior to any action. These situations must be handled carefully by the organization. However, with guidance from HR, your actions can be well-defined and constructive.
Posted on: January 28, 2011 07:59 AM |
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Comments (3)
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 | Anonymous |
I have seen workplace bullying happened in the organization where HR department exist only for name sake. Their role is limited to welcoming employee and show them exit. They do not support employee or fight for employee even if they see what is happening. They close their eyes to save their jobs. End result is employee suffers and has to leave the organization when it is uncontrollable.
Carla Serra
Business Process Analyst| Freelancer
Amadora, Portugal
In a couple of companies I have worked for I have seen subtle forms of bullying - people start getting sick, the environment at the office is just knife cutting and becomes unbearable.
I myself have been a victim of this and indeed HR has to close eyes in order to save their jobs. So, you will see colleagues leave or be fired, and there is nothing you can do about it. Usually, the more competent and therefore threatening you are, to a colleague or manager, the more this is likely to happen to you.
There is no concrete solution for this problem, it is human behavior in a group, but it does imply changing a job for the one who is bullied. Do not take it as loosing the battle because the bully is usually a very insecure person that has become defensive and attacking. The bullied person must likely can get an even better job and in the end it is their employer''''s loss to see them leave with all the information and training that they acquired, in time.
| Anonymous |
Interesting video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hWyMXRUqTg&feature=related
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