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Struggle Over Rights and Duties at Work: Storylines and Discursive Self-Other Positioning in Workplace Bullying Stories

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Listed:
  • Pekka Kuusela
  • Pasi Hirvonen
  • Luk Van Langenhove

Abstract

This study examines the phases and dynamics of workplace bullying (WB) as a social positioning phenomenon within moral orders. Applying the positioning theory (PT) and the relational model of WB, the study analyses 136 written online stories of WB, utilizing narrative analysis of positioning in self-other relationships. The findings, limited to the perspective of the bullied (targets), identify four distinct storylines of WB that involve different forms of positioning: (1) the loss of health and ability to work, (2) passive acceptance of bullying, (3) unresolved conflict, and (4) active opponent in bullying. These findings shed light on the development and variations in WB storylines regarding the target, perpetrator, and work community, with a focus on the organizational and interpersonal power dynamics associated with WB. Furthermore, each WB storyline emphasizes the diverse strategies employed in response to WB and the various paths WB can follow over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Pekka Kuusela & Pasi Hirvonen & Luk Van Langenhove, 2024. "Struggle Over Rights and Duties at Work: Storylines and Discursive Self-Other Positioning in Workplace Bullying Stories," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(3), pages 21582440241, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:21582440241264729
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440241264729
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Margaret Hodgins & Patricia Mannix McNamara, 2019. "An Enlightened Environment? Workplace Bullying and Incivility in Irish Higher Education," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(4), pages 21582440198, December.
    2. Lorraine Busby & Linda Patrick & Alice Gaudine, 2022. "Upwards Workplace Bullying: A Literature Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.
    3. Bart Verkuil & Serpil Atasayi & Marc L Molendijk, 2015. "Workplace Bullying and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis on Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Data," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
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