Understanding Workplace Bullying

By Linda Sue Mata

This is a book written about workplace bullying which is a rapidly growing phenomenon
In the workplace. This books explains, how to recognize bullying in its premature stages and the negative impacts bullying may have on both victims and bystanders.
Bullying affects not only careers and job performance, but may lead to serious physical and psychological problems. An understanding of the bullying process is a first step in. Not only helping victims cope with it, but in helping management overcome its bullying approach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477268094

Linda Sue Mata

Dr. Linda Mata has complied several collections of creative materials written by herself and other amateur writers. She developed an interest in poetry writing at a very young age and was awarded a certificate for her poem, "Song of the Courageous Pioneer," a poem written to commemorate "Pioneer Day," while attending middle school. The author had continued to feel an urge to write, but did not pursue a writing career. Her writing aspirations were revived with her daughter, Christiana's interest in writing poems and short stories, also at a very young age. Christiana has been a recipient of several youth awards for her writings and appeared on local television and in the local newspaper. The author is especially proud to have had the opportunity to present the poem of her late father entitled, "Opportunities." She feels he possessed a remarkable gift that was probably only realized by those closest to him. She is also proud to have written two poems in tribute to American poet, James Langston Hughes, one hundred years after the year of his birth. He is a writer that the author deeply admires.

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2012 by Linda Sue Mata. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/13/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6808-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6807-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6809-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012916843

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

Understanding the Workplace Bullying Phenomenon

Bullying and Harrassment

Workplace Incivility

The Bullying Process

Role of Organizations

in Promoting Bullying

Perceptions of the Bully

The Bully-Prone Workplace

Organizational Denial of Bullying

Preventive Methods at the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Levels

Organizations That

Do Not Want to Change

Mobbing: Emotional Abuse in the Workplace

The Impact of Organizational Culture

The Role of Leadership

References

Introduction

The significance of studying workplace bullying or workplace mobbing stems from the urgent need to curb this silent epidemic that is sweeping through the workplace (Canadian Safety Council, 2004). Given its prevalence and far reaching implications, a growing awareness of bullying is required. Not only is it costly to victims and their families and communities, but it creates an unhealthy workplace, detrimental to the organization and society as well (Leyman, 1992). According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, there is no single definition of Workplace Bullying that has been agreed upon internationally. It has been defined as repeated, unreasonable behavior directed towards an employee or a group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety (Hoel & Cooper, 2000). Unreasonable behavior has been defined as behavior that a reasonable person having regard to all the circumstances, would expect to victimize, humiliate, undermine or threaten. It includes actions of an individual or a group. Risk to health and safety" includes risk to the mental and physical health of an employee.

There are many sources that now recognize the severe and urgent problems resulting from workplace bullying, but many more are needed. Bullying is not a new practice and has been used as a management tool for many years. It continues, at least partly, because it seems to work (Paice & Firth-Cozers, 2003).

In recent decades, bullying has come to be realized as a problem that is ultimately counterproductive. It is now a recognized problem and a cause of major concern. Victims stand to lose their self-esteem, their health, and even their careers (Peyton, 2003). Extensive research has been conducted and the findings are clearly conclusive in defining workplace bullying as a leading cause of stress, illness, and post—traumatic stress disorder. It is also escalating in workplaces throughout the world and in the US, and at least one of every six workers has experienced bullying.

In 2001, a report published under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) found that bullying may account for serious health problems for those