Identifying and managing bullying in the workplace

Purpose – The article sheds light on the phenomenon of bullying in the workplace and the need to create truly assertive and inclusive organizations in which business leaders and employees embrace diversity in all they do. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a framework of assertiveness and diversity, of openness, trust and respect, which can benefit everyone in the workplace. Findings – The reveals that a lack of awareness of self and others, and a fear of difference, is the underlying cause of bullying. Practical implications – The paper shows that that, by integrating diversity awareness into everything that people do, and valuing people for their “gifts different,” bullying can be tackled. Originality/value – The author argues that people change their behavior when given support and encouragement to understand the impact of their behavior on others, and that they can be helped to appreciate their differences and thus build bigger relationships in which more and greater business opportunities are realized.