As many as 77.8% of South Africans say that they have experienced some form of victimisation during their careers according to an Internet survey, but people sometimes confuse conflict and bullying, so this figure may not be reliable. Nevertheless, new research indicates that the incidence of workplace bullying is over 20%.
What is bullying?
Workplace bullying, like childhood bullying, is the tendency of individuals or groups to use persistent aggressive or unreasonable behaviour against a co-worker or subordinate. It is an intentional act where the perpetrator intends to harm the victim, and can be either overt or covert.
Examples of workplace bullying
- Talking about someone behind his or her back
- Interrupting others while they are speaking or working
- Flaunting status or authority; acting in a condescending manner
- Belittling someone's opinion
- Mood swings
- Failing to return phone calls or respond to memos
- Giving others the silent treatment
- Insults, yelling, swearing, name-calling, threats, shouting, rude gestures and aggressive posturing
- Staring, dirty looks, looking "over you" or avoiding eye contact or other negative eye contact
- Intentionally damning with faint praise
- Undermining actions by a co-worker
- Spreading stories and half-truths
- Humiliating an employee in the presence of others
- Ridicule, teasing and sarcasm
- Overloading a person with work as a form of punishment
- Refusing a person rights or privileges
- False accusations
- "Stealing" subordinates' work
- Deceiving or setting someone up
- Harassment, including sexual and racial
- Leaving offensive messages
- Interfering with work tools and equipment.
How to deal with workplace bullying
- Tell the bully what the effect his or her behaviour is having on you
- Speak to colleagues to see if they are experiencing the same thing
- Keep a log of all bullying instances
- Write a memo if you feel you cannot confront the bully
- Keep copies of anything referring to your inability to do your job
- Try to avoid being alone with the bully and try to get witnesses to incidents
- Try making a collective complaint with colleagues
- Check any new responsibilities you are given with a copy of your job description
- If nothing changes, report the problem to HR.
Research worldwide indicates that 1.5–3.5% of a country's GDP is lost because of stress and bullying in the workplace. Developing countries cannot afford such a loss. It is of paramount important that programmes and interventions be in place to prevent workplace violence and bullying.
Shelley Hymel, Susan M. Swearer. Bullying: An age-old problem that needs new solutions. Tanya Beran. Bullying: What are the Differences between Boys and Girls and How Can You Help?