Cyberbullying at work: understanding the influence of technology

Abstract

We exist at a time when technology has revolutionized the way people work. It is now just as easy to communicate electronically with colleagues thousands of miles away as it is with a co-worker in the same building. While there are many advantages of information and communication technologies (ICTs), workplace cyberbullying channelled through ICTs illustrates the potential drawbacks of such technologies. This chapter examines the limited yet developing research on workplace cyberbullying. First, we discuss the criteria used to define workplace cyberbullying and the behaviours that encompass it. We then present current empirical findings, including research on the actors involved in the process and the antecedents, prevalence and impact of workplace cyberbullying. Finally, we discuss theoretical perspectives on why workplace cyberbullying occurs, highlight the emerging focus on the work context and present some suggestions for future research in this area.