Step-by-step to stopping the cyber-bully : How organizations can help to tackle the menace

Purpose – Describes the role of HR in addressing traditional bullying and cyber-bullying at the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Explains how organizations can design policy guidelines to tackle the issue of bullying and, thereby, help every employee to contribute to his or her best ability. Findings – Argues that the proliferation of electronic communication has made cyber-bullying rampant in workplaces and has devastating effects on some employees. Practical implications – Advances the view that creating a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, using technological help, conducting structured interviews, providing an employee-sensitization program, crafting effective job design and, from time to time, taking employees’ opinion can go a long way in ensuring a safe workplace for all. Social implications – Shows that bullying in any form is a social menace both for employees and the organization, and it needs to be nipped in the bud. Originality/value – Provides insights into how organizations can effectively address the issue of bullying at the workplace.