REPORT #1724
"How we respond to bullying makes a difference."
Judy Sheehan
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI
THE OFFICE BULLY
FROM THE SCHOOL YARD TO THE OFFICE: A noted English criminologist defined bullying as "repeated oppression, psychological or physical, of a less powerful person by a more powerful person." In a more modern definition, bullying can include harassment, intimidation to varying degrees, taunting and ridicule. This problem is a common experience for children and adolescents -- as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years. And it doesn't stop at adulthood. An astounding 37 percent of American workers have been bullied at work, and 49 percent of workers have been affected by bullying if witnesses are included. Seventy-two percent of those bullies are bosses. Women are targeted more frequently by bullying, with 57 percent of cases reported by women.
BULLYING BEHAVIORS: Although workplace bullying varies with each situation, there are some patterns. Some examples of bullying are:
· Unwarranted or invalid criticism
· Blame without factual justification
· Being treated differently than the rest of your work group
· Being sworn at
· Exclusion or social isolation
· Being shouted at or being humiliated
· Practical jokes
· Excessive monitoring
Bullying can also take place on a larger scale. When this kind of behavior becomes accepted as part of workplace culture, corporate or institutional bullying is taking place.
CONSEQUENCES: Bullying can take a physical, emotional and mental toll on victims. Sleeplessness, financial problems because of absences from work, reduced self-esteem, muscoskeletal problems, phobias, depression, digestive problems and even post-traumatic stress disorder can result from harassment at work.
SMART WOMAN CONTACT:
1-800-END-ABUSE
http://bullyinginstitute.org/starthere.html
