BULLYING Some Causes and Effects

Bullying Is Costly

Workplace bullying is also costly for employers. A workplace bully could be an acid tongued boss or a scheming coworker and is as likely to be a woman as a man.  Such ones over-control, micromanage, and put others down with negative remarks and constant criticism, often humiliating their target in front of others.   Bullies rarely recognize their impoliteness or apologize for their behavior. They often victimize workers who are capable, loyal, and well liked by fellow employees.

Workers who experience bullying tent to work less efficiently . The productivity of coworkers who witness bullying is also affected . Bullying can lead workers to feel less loyal to their employer and less committed  to their work. One report claims  that bullies cost industry in the United Kingdom an estimated  three billion dollars each year. And it is said that such behavior is responsible for more than 30 percent of stress related illnesses.

Clearly, bullying has an impact on society worldwide.  The question is, Can anything be done to curb the problem and eliminate it? 

Next time: Breaking Free From BULLYING

From the Awake! magazine, 2003