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The origin of workplace bullying: experiences from the perspective of bully victims in the public service sector
Author(s) -
K. MARGARETHA STRANDMARK,
HALLBERG LILLEMOR R.M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2007.00662.x
Subject(s) - workplace bullying , perspective (graphical) , power (physics) , public sector , social psychology , psychology , occupational safety and health , public service , suicide prevention , poison control , political science , public relations , medicine , environmental health , physics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , computer science , law
Background Workplace bullying has attracted increased attention during the last decade due to its severe consequences on health. However, the origin of bullying has, so far, been insufficiently described. Aim This study investigates the manner in which bullying is initiated at workplaces in the public service sector. Method Twenty‐two bully victims were interviewed in‐depth and data were analysed according to grounded theory methodology. Results The findings of this study demonstrated that bullying was preceded by a long‐standing struggle for power. This power struggle emanated from conflicts of values caused by organizational conditions, leadership styles and the involved parties’ work expectations. In particular, individuals who perceived themselves as strong and competent or as vulnerable and sensitive persons were targeted in these types of power struggles. Conclusions In these cases, if values conflicts were solved, the power struggle ebbed. When values conflicts remained unsolved, the gap widened between the targeted individual and that person's opponents. Thereby, the conflict escalated and grew into one characterized by systematic and persistent bullying.