Workplace Bullying

The WBI Definition of Workplace Bullying

Workplace Bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators. It is abusive conduct that is :

• Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, or
• Work interference — sabotage — which prevents work from getting done, or
• Verbal abuse

This definition was used in the 2014 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey. Its national prevalence was assessed. Read the Survey results.

Workplace Bullying...

• Is driven by perpetrators' need to control the targeted individual(s).
• Is initiated by bullies who choose their targets, timing, location, and methods.
• Is a set of acts of commission (doing things to others) or omission (withholding resources from others)
• Requires consequences for the targeted individual
• Escalates to involve others who side with the bully, either voluntarily or through coercion.
• Undermines legitimate business interests when bullies' personal agendas take precedence over work itself.
• Is akin to domestic violence at work, where the abuser is on the payroll.