Understanding and addressing bullying in the workplace

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to better understand bullying behaviours in the workplace and how these behaviours can be addressed as part of an ongoing and integral approach to diversity through building bigger and more assertive relationships in which there is greater awareness and understanding of each other – our differences and similarities Design/methodology/approach – A psychological approach is taken in order to better understand the phenomena of bullying and the kinds of interventions that can facilitate individuals, groups and organisations in becoming more inclusive and assertive Findings – Incidents of bullying behaviour in organisations towards people most typically are directed at individuals from the very groups of people who are regularly targeted for bullying simply for being different from the majority and not because of something that they have done or not done Originality/value – A deeper understanding of the dynamics of bullying behaviour in organisations leading to suggestions as to how organisations can promote attitudes, values and behaviours that are inclusive and allowing of difference.