Handling Emotional Abuse: An Investigation into Workplace Bullying/Mobbing

Abstract

The research summarizes the findings and literature on the nature and causes of bullying/mobbing and the prevalence of being emotionally abused at workplace. Bullying occurs when someone at work is systematically subjected to aggressive behavior from one or more colleagues or superiors over a long period of time, in a situation where the target finds it difficult to defend him or herself or to escape the situation. Such treatment tends to stigmatize the target and may even cause severe psychological trauma. The research focused on definitional issues, including the type, frequency, and duration of bullying/mobbing acts, culture and role of organization in combating the phenomenon. The research study also highlights the key traits of a typical bully/mob and the strategies/ tactics that make them successful in the bullying/ mobbing process. Also, what influences bullying/mobbing has on the individual or group victims’ work and personal life, along with a definite cost to the organization of employment. The research also highlights that there are certain organizational and social factors, as well as personal factors contributing to the vicious prevalence of emotional abuse in different organizations.