Workplace Bullying - Essay Example

It is not necessary that bullying happens only among the workers. In fact a substantial portion of workplace bullying occurs when the managers of supervisors use their power to intimidate less powerful employees. Bullying destroys the morale of the victim so that he may not be able to concentrate fully in his responsibilities. In many of the organizations, autocratic style of management prevails and it is easy for the managers and supervisors in such organizations to exercise their power easily upon the employees.

This paper analyses how managers and supervisors portray themselves in the work place towards their coworkers, how this can be prevented and why does workplace bullying happens. Manager’s job is to get the work done through employees. In order to execute this responsibility successfully, managers need power. So, managers in majority of the organizations have immense power which they may use or misuse time to time. Managers often have a misconception that only that manager who uses his power may get proper respect from the employees.

Some managers or supervisors use their power judiciously whereas others user it even for unnecessary things. When a manager or supervisor uses his power for unnecessary things, such behaviors can be labeled as workplace bullying. Suppose a manager asks an employee to bring a cup of tea instead of asking the peon or the attender, his intentions are to intimidate the employee. The employee may obey the commands of the manager because of the fear of losing his job. This is a clear case of workplace bullying.

Some of the other examples of workplace bullying demonstrate by managers and supervisors are; “Invalid or unnecessary criticisms, blaming without reasons, different treatments, social isolation, being worn at, being shouted at, excessive monitoring being given work unrealistic deadlines etc” (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, p.1). Workplace bullying happens because of various reasons. The struggle for power is inherited in human blood. Everybody wants to dominate others.

When people get power, they may develop a tendency to dominate others. For example, police officers use their power for necessary and unnecessary things. Managers and supervisors are the police force in an organization. They may use this power to stamp their authority over employees. Some managers have the habit of relaxing their frustrations upon the employees. For example, a manager who got some punishments from his superior may try to pass it to the employees. Since employees are at the lowest level of the organizational ladder, they are forced to suffer all the pressure exerted from the top.

Some of the problems associated with workplace bullying are: “Increased absenteeism, Increased turnover, Increased stress, Increased costs for employee assistance programs (EAPs), recruitment, etc, Increased risk for accidents / incidents, Decreased productivity and motivation, Decreased morale, Reduced corporate image and customer confidence, Poorer customer service etc” (Oppermann). Bullying not only affects the victim but also the organization. It is difficult for the victims of bullying incidents to concentrate in their jobs.

As a result of that their productivity and efficiency may come down drastically which may affect the organization in many ways. Moreover, the victims may develop psychological trauma as a result of bullying and his physical and mental health may get damaged. In short, workplace bullying creates trouble both for the organization and the employees. “