The consequences of workplace bullying can be devasting. Until recently, research has focused on the victim’s perspective. But it’s not always clear who is the victim. Now, Moira Jenkins, a psychologist and PhD student in the University of Adelaide’s School of Psychology, is researching how bosses feel and and react when allegations of bullying are made against them.
As part of her PhD on workplace conflict management, Jenkins is interviewing those accused of bullying. She is interested in what led to the complaint, how was it dealt with by the organisation and how did the accused feel.
Jenkins found that the alleged bullies were just as affected by the experience as people she interviewed for an earlier study on victims of workplace bullying.
“Some of the people I interviewed had experienced unfairness in the way the allegations were investigated; some were bullies who had got away with it lightly. Most were crushed by what happened,” says Jenkins.
The thread that linked the interviews was workplace conflict. “Bullying does not come out of the blue,” says Jenkins. “there is always evidence of prior conflict.” Many alleged bullies believe they are the victims of ‘upwards bullying’, when workers undermine a manager.
“Bullying, when it does occur, is a serious problem,” she says. “But some workers might be too quick to frame conflict as bullying. Human Resources takes more notice when the word ‘bullying’ is used.”
Bullying is defined as repeated, targeted behaviour towards somebody that is likely to humiliate them and undermine their confidence.
European research published in 2003 suggests that 10 to 20 percent of workers will label work conflicts as bullying, when they are not.
Adding to the issue is the lack of conflict guidlelines in many workplaces, the refusal of complainants to use organisational mediation processes, and the perceived lack of support from superiors.
Increasingly, those accused of bullying are hitting back in the courts in attempt to seek justice and accountability.
The stigma of a bullying complaint can have a lasting effect on the alleged bully, just as it has on the alleged victim.
For those interested in Moira Jenkins’ research, go to aboto.com.au.
