S/HR/72. Workplace Bullying is not just harmless fun

Bullying in the workplace has become very topical and is an area which attracts increasing attention from media, legal and academic quarters (Barker, Rayner and Sheehan 1999). Having acknowledged some of the possible reasons for it’s existence, this essay will define and distinguish between the unacceptable aspects of work-place bullying and the comparatively less harmful issues associated with teasing or harmless fun. Within the constraints of this essay it will not be possible to reflect the vast amounts of literature generated on this subject which permeates most organisations either directly or in-directly ( Lee, 2000 ) Emphasis will be placed on examples of some of the effects and implications which are specific or related to bullying at work. While most of this essay’s emphasis will be UK orientated other examples will be used in order to reflect that bullying at work is a global phenomenon. In order to evaluate this topic further comment will be made on what can be done to minimise or reverse any such negative effects for those involved. This should lead to a more informed and objective conclusions that work place bullying are more than just harmless fun or teasing.