Workplace bullying

Workplace bullying is a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace that causes physical and/or emotional harm. It includes verbal, nonverbal, psychological, and physical abuse, as well as humiliation. This type of workplace aggression is particularly difficult because unlike typical school bullies, workplace bullies often operate within the established rules and policies of their organizations and society. In most cases, workplace bullying is carried out by someone who is in a position of authority over the victim. However, bullies can also be peers or subordinates.^[1] The participation of subordinates in bullying is referred to as upward bullying. The least visible form of workplace bullying involves upward bullying where bullying tactics are manipulated and applied against a superior, often for strategically motivated outcomes.^[2][3][4]

Research has also investigated the impact of bullying in a larger organizational context, as well as the group level dynamics that contribute to the occurrence and persistence of bullying behavior.^[5] Bullying can be covert or overt, and sometimes unnoticed by superiors while also being widely known throughout an organization. The negative effects of workplace bullying are not limited to the targeted individuals, and can lead to a decline in employee morale and shifts in organizational culture.^[6] Workplace bullying can also manifest as overbearing supervision, constant criticism and obstruction of promotions.^[7]