Workplace bullying is regarded as a serious issue that negates employee morale, productivity, and overall well-being. Nevertheless, there are cases in which what would be perceived as bullying is actually an intentional aspect of the culture or management style of a company. It shouldn’t be taken to mean healthy or acceptable but it’s good to know why some organizations may deliberately develop a bullying-like environment.
The Fine Line between Tough Management and Bullying
In some high-pressure industries leadership often gets confused with an aggressive tough management style. Some firms will argue this approach brings results, pushes employees into performing at their best and sifts out those who can’t stand heat. The guiding principle is perhaps “survival for the fittest” which can create a situation where bullying becomes normal. You may have to go through evaluations that are completely subjective and potentially inaccurate, like Torquemada.
Key Features:
- High Expectations: Most times unrealistic deadlines are given to employees and extra workloads are added on them.
- Criticism Over Praise: A lot of time there is negative feedback without much acknowledgement of achievements made.
- Fear-Based Motivation: Employees may be motivated more by fear of failure or punishment than by the desire to succeed.
This strategy may generate short-term gain but in the long run it leads to high turnover rates, burnout, and toxic work environments.
Bullying as a Tool for Control
In some organizations bulling is used as a tool for control. Managers or leaders who feel insecure about their positions might resort to intimidation and harassment to keep employees in line. By fostering a climate of fear they can maintain power and discourage dissent. This kind of bullying often presents itself in micromanagement, public humiliation, deliberate targeting of particular individuals.
Popular Tactics:
- Micromanagement: Exerting too much control over every aspect relating to an employee’s job so that she has no freedom at all.
- Public Shaming: Mocking employees when managers reprimand them before others with an aim undermining their self-confidence.
- Isolation: Exclusion of some workers from meetings, decisions or social events so that they feel that they don’t belong in the organization.
Even though such tactics may give the bully a feeling of control, they create a hostile
work environment that stifles creativity, innovation and collaboration.
The Culture of “Survival of the Fittest”
Some companies have cultures based on “survival of the fittest” where employees are even encouraged to compete with one another to an extent of creating conflicts. Here, rivalries might ensue among employees for promotions, bonuses or recognition. This leads to an aggressive setting where bullying activities like sabotage, backstabbing and spreading rumors become normal occurrences.
Indicators of Competition:
- Constant Competition: At all times people compete to be first hence this can be at other peoples expense.
- Lack of Teamwork: Working as a team is discouraged while individual achievements are considered more important than those made by the team.
- Rewarding Aggression: Often ruthless employees who are more aggressive tend to get rewarded thus confirming that bullying is justified.
While this type of culture may drive some individuals to excel it often results in a lack of trust, low morale, and a divided workforce. In that case you should use a surveillance software. Controlio can be an effective app to do the work.
The Impact of Bullying on Company Success
Although some companies may look at bullying as an effective way to push employees beyond their limits or just remain in charge; the long-term consequences are seldom positive. For instance bullying may result into high employee turnover rates due to escape from such toxic environments. It can also harm company’s name making recruitment difficult for top talents. Furthermore, a situation of bullying in an organization can kill innovation and creativity. It results in stagnation over time and reduced overall performance.
When Bullying Becomes a Legal Issue?
It is important to note that workplace bullying has serious legal consequences. Laws in many countries protect employees against harassment and hostile work environments. In order, some companies would end up being sued, fined or their reputation would be tarnished if they allow or support bullying happening within their organizations.
Legal Considerations:
- Harassment Laws: There are several jurisdictions having specific laws against workplace harassment which includes bullying.
- Workplace Policies: Usually, corporations are required to have policies established to prevent and address bullying at the workplace.
- Employee Rights: Every employee has a right work in an environment that is safe and respectful without any form of intimidation or harassment.
In some organizations, it may appear as though workplace bullying is a feature rather than a bug; however, it is important to understand the long-term effects of this activity.
