A new study has shown that poor workplace management could be the reason behind bullying. According to the study, poor management could be a recipe for fiscal failure and result in an unfriendly work environment for employees.
University of South Australia researchers cite poor management as a risk factor for bullying in the workplace. In partnership with experts from the Centre for Workplace Excellence, Auburn University, and the University of Queensland, the researchers created a new evidence-based instrument highlighting the nine major risk areas related to workplace bullying.
Because these risk factors are so deeply ingrained in everyday business operations, the researchers concluded that employers and organizations must address the problems.
The investigators examined 342 valid, actual reports of bullying that were made in South Australia. Interestingly, female workers lodged 60% of such complaints. In contrast, most complaints came from the retail, property, business, community, and health services sectors. According to researchers, this investigation identified the most significant risk factors for workplace harassment across all firms.
Lead study author Professor Michelle Tuckey said, Bullying at work primarily manifests itself in how employees are treated. Therefore, companies must prioritize managing workplace performance, organizing working time and rights, and fostering a positive work environment.
Although it could be alluring to think of bullying as an interpersonal behavioral issue, the data points to the fact that bullying also reflects systemic hazards in companies.
Interestingly the researchers created a screening tool for spotting workplace bullying after identifying organizational risks. Unfortunately, the current measures to address and prevent workplace bullying tend to overlook systemic structures with an emphasis on behavior between individuals.
As anyone may understand, dealing with harassment at work can negatively affect an employee’s productivity. In addition to the negative effects on a company that result from subpar performance, research has linked mental health problems to stressful or hostile work environments.