Managing high performing bullies at workplace

Abstract

Workplace bullying is any repeated, intentional behaviour directed at an employee that is intended to intimidate, degrade, offend, or undermine their performance. It can take many forms, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, or cyberbullying. This behaviour can cause significant harm to the victim, including decreased job satisfaction, increased stress levels, and in severe cases, physical and mental health problems. Bullies might be managers, employees, subordinates, or coworkers. Bullies frequently behave in accordance with the company's stated norms and practises. Even while such behaviours may not be against the law or even the policies, they can still inflict considerable harm to the targeted employee and the morale of the company. The problem further gets escalated when either the bully or the bullied is high performer. High performers can become both bullies or get bullied depending on the circumstance. Highperforming bullies are individuals who excel in their job duties and responsibilities but engage in bullying behaviour towards their co-workers. They may use their position of power or influence to intimidate, harass, or undermine others in the workplace. Despite their strong job performance, their behaviour can have a negative impact on the overall work environment and their colleagues, causing harm to both the individuals targeted and the organization as a whole. It's important for organizations to address this behaviour, as it can lead to decreased morale, decreased productivity, and increased turnover. (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2023) Through this project, we try to explore the impact on the fellow employees and organisation when these high performers become the ones that bully others. These employees are referred to as high-performing bullies. Workplace bullying is a widespread issue, affecting many employees in a variety of industries and job types. According to recent studies, approximately 1 in 4 employees in the U.S. and Europe have reported experiencing bullying in the workplace. This behavior can be especially prevalent in high-stress environments and those with a lack of clear policies and procedures for addressing it. Workplace bullying can occur for a variety of reasons, including: 6 • Power dynamics: Some individuals may bully others as a way to exert power and control in the workplace. • Insecurity: Some bullies may act out due to their own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. • Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as a lack of empathy or an aggressive disposition, may contribute to bullying behaviour. • Workplace culture: A workplace culture that tolerates or even encourages aggressive behaviour can contribute to a high incidence of bullying. • Stressed environment: A high-stress work environment can increase the likelihood of bullying, as individuals may take out their frustration on others.