ELEMENTS OF BULLYING

Use of power
Power derives from formal or informal source. Position titles are the formal source

while the influence of the employee without formal leadership position is the informal
source

Intention is to control
Use of power is meant to control you, to lead you toward their objectives (not work

related)

Have a strong personal dislike to the victim

Personal attacks
If attacks are related to sex, race, religion, appearance, family and relationship,

chances are, we have a case of workplace bullying.

With specific objectives

Unlike traditional bullying where intentions are random, workplace bullying has pre

defined objectives
A. to get ahead of you
B. to get rid of you
C. to pass the blame on you

WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE BULLIES

The bosses
Bosses are usual suspect of bullying since they have the first two elements of

bullying.
These are power and control. But the actions of the boss are not considered as such if it
is meant to correct certain behavior or to increase output of the supposed victim.
Subject: subordinates, heir own boss, fellow managers/supervisors

Subordinates
Subordinates are likely bullies, too. Bosses are prone to bullying if they are newly

hired or promoted or take over manager/supervisor of tenured employees.

Subject: their boss

Employees who are tenured (or the most senior)

They tend to hold influence over the rest. They have the illusion that they are

untouchables because they thought they have higher access or removing them is costly.
Subjects: bosses or newly hired/transferred employees

Employees
Anyone can be bullies. This normally happens when one sees you as a threat to

his/her work or ambition such as salary or promotion.

Subject: YOU

WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE BULLIED

Targets are skilled workers

They receive a lot of positive attention in their work, perhaps they are intelligent,
determined, creative, regularly contribute new and innovative ideas. Walk the extra mile
and gain recognition from their hard work or maybe you move through projects more
quickly than other workers and always meet deadlines while others are struggling.

Targets are well liked or popular

It is a myth that all victims of bullying are loners and outcast with no friends or

social connections. Bullies believe that they post threats to their own popularity and
social status and work.

Targets are good people

Often, victims are the most caring social and collaborative on the team. To a bully,

these characteristics drain the power they have at work. TEAMBUILDING is the
antithesis of what a bully wants. They want to be in control and the ones calling all the
shots. Targets may be extremely ethical and honest

Targets are non-confrontational or vulnerable

Employees who are introverted, anxious or submissive are more likely to be bullied

than those who are extroverted and assertive. Research has shone that if adults work to
build their self-esteem and assertiveness skills, they may diminish the likelihood to be
bullied.
NOTE: There are also evidence that depression and other stress related conditions might
attract the attention of bullies.

Targets are viewed stereotypically or prejudicially.

They can be targeted for their gender, age, race, sexual preference, religion,

disability or disease.