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Managers in the firing line: Contributing factors to workplace bullying by staff – an interview study

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  • Branch, Sara
  • Ramsay, Sheryl
  • Barker, Michelle

Abstract

Workplace bullying is a phenomenon that is attracting increasing interest from researchers throughout the Western world. To date, most of the research into workplace bullying has focused on managers and colleagues as the perpetrators of bullying in the workplace. By contrast, little is known about ‘upwards bullying’, where managers are the targets. We argue that in order to more fully understand workplace bullying as a whole, the phenomenon of upwards bullying requires research attention. In the present study, upwards bullying was explored in interviews conducted with 24 managers from public and private organizations, with the data coded and arranged thematically. Results indicate that potential contributing factors towards upwards bullying include the current work environment, change within organizations and power issues. We recommend that organizations identify the occurrence and processes of upwards bullying as important steps in developing comprehensive workplace bullying policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Branch, Sara & Ramsay, Sheryl & Barker, Michelle, 2007. "Managers in the firing line: Contributing factors to workplace bullying by staff – an interview study," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(3), pages 264-281, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jomorg:v:13:y:2007:i:03:p:264-281_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Christina Björklund & Therese Hellman & Irene Jensen & Cecilia Åkerblom & Elisabeth Björk Brämberg, 2019. "Workplace Bullying as Experienced by Managers and How They Cope: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Managers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Lorraine Busby & Linda Patrick & Alice Gaudine, 2022. "Upwards Workplace Bullying: A Literature Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.
    3. Bentley, Tim A. & Catley, Bevan & Cooper-Thomas, Helena & Gardner, Dianne & O’Driscoll, Michael P. & Dale, Alison & Trenberth, Linda, 2012. "Perceptions of workplace bullying in the New Zealand travel industry: Prevalence and management strategies," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 351-360.
    4. Carlo Caponecchia & Andrew Sun & Anne Wyatt, 2012. "‘Psychopaths’ at Work? Implications of Lay Persons’ Use of Labels and Behavioural Criteria for Psychopathy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 107(4), pages 399-408, June.

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