New research breaks down bosses’ bullying behavior

by Oct 6, 2015

In this blog post, we will explore recent research focused on the analysis of bosses’ bullying behavior.

Tight deadlines, big projects and work pressure are just some of the things that employees deal with every day at the workplace. However, some may also need to contend with abusive and bullying behavior from co-workers or their supervisors.

Needless to say, the experience results to a negative working environment for bullying victims. It is also a difficult situation to handle and being subjected to workplace bullying over time will greatly affect a person’s mental health. In worst cases, it can also lead to suicide.

Understanding the Research on Bosses’ Bullying Behavior

A study conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute indicated that 27 percent of employees in the U.S. have experienced being bullied at work, in most cases from their supervisors. Other similar studies also showed that bullying is becoming prevalent in the workplace.

However, a new study made by researchers Charlice Hurst, Ken Kelley and Timothy Judge from the Department of Management at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and Lauren Simon of Portland State University, looked at how a supervisor’s bullying behavior has affected the employee and superior’s relationship over time. 

The study’s results showed interesting responses from bullied employees such as withdrawal and retaliation. It also provided an interesting peek at the possible reasons as to why or how the bosses developed their abusive behaviors, whether it stemmed from their childhood or personal lives, or as a result of a highly competitive organization. Let’s explore some examples and ways of addressing bullying behavior shown by bosses.

Here are some examples of bosses’ bullying behavior:

  1. Micro-Management

   This is where excessive supervision happens, resulting in employees feeling undervalued and incompetent even the smallest details of their work.

  2. Public Humiliation

   Belittling employees in front of their peers or superiors, resulting in employees feeling ashamed, anxiety and self-doubt.

  3. Unfair Treatment

   Treating some employees favorably while being unequal to others, leading employees to consider leaving the organization.

  4. Verbal Abuse

   Use of insulting words, hurtful, or offensive language directed at employees. This may discourage employees from sharing ideas and avoid interaction with colleagues.

  5. Discrimination

   Treating employees unfairly based on their gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. This will lead to conflict and affect relationships within the organization.

How do we break down bosses’ bullying behavior in the workplace?

  • Establish Anti-Bullying Policy

An organization must implement clear and comprehensive anti-bullying policies that outline the expected behavior and consequences of bullying. Communicate these policies to all employees and ensure they understand them.

  • Open Communication

Employees need to engage in respectful communication with the boss to address concerns. Share how their behavior is affecting them and express a desire to resolve the issue.

  • Document Incidents

Always keep a record of bullying incidents, noting dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation can be valuable if they need to escalate the issue.

  • Escalate the Issue

If the bullying continues and the internal team does not provide resolution, escalate the matter to higher management or relevant authorities within the organization.

  • Seek Support

Talk to trusted colleagues, HR professionals, or employee assistance programs to seek guidance and emotional support.

Addressing bullying behavior between bosses and employees is super important for an organization. Figuring out a solution is key to making the workplace safer and more respectful for everyone.

To read more about the subject, click here to read the full article.

Do you know how much money chronically bad behavior costs your company? Spoiler alert – it’s a LOT higher than you want it to be. Download our data and worksheet to see how it’s costing your organization and what you can do to fix it.

 

Catherine

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the founder/CEO of Civility Partners, an organizational development firm focused on helping organizations create respectful workplace cultures and specializing in turning around toxic cultures. Civility Partners’ clients range from Fortune 500’s to small businesses across many industries. Catherine is a TEDx speaker and an HR thought-leader who has appeared in such venues as USA Today, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She’s an award-winning speaker, author and blogger, and has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” Her latest book is Navigating Toxic Work Environments For Dummies (Wiley).

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