Workplace Bullying: A Guide to Risk Assessing

This work examines the nature of workplace bullying and its possible origins in the context of organisational cultures. Consideration is given to the problems created for legislators, employers and employees alike by the absence of a precise and succinct definition that promotes consistency instead of the plethora of perceptions currently in use. The importance of distinguishing between types and reasons for bullying relationships is emphasised, as recognition of such differences is essential for the effectiveness of any anti-bullying policy. A study with two Colleges of Education suggests a possible relationship between the perceived level of management understanding of the respondent's workload, and the effectiveness of the institution's anti-bullying procedures, possibly reflecting the working cultures of distinct occupational groups. A proactive recruiting policy is outlined, while the intention of prominent reactive procedures is to rapidly address and fairly resolve bullying allegations. This book will be of interest to human resource departments and others responsible for developing procedures to minimise this insidious workplace hazard.

David Ellames, BA, PG Dip, MSc; Interests in Behavioural Science in relation to the practise of institutional management cultures in UK and New Zealand; studied Occupational Health and Safety Management at Nottingham Trent University, currently the Safety Training Officer at the University of Hull, East Yorkshire, UK.