Negative behaviours and incivility in the workplace (including bullying and harassment)
Research often refers to negative behaviours as incivility. One definition of incivility is "Workplace incivility refers to ‘low-intensity, disrespectful or rude deviant workplace behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target and is in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect" [1] Bullying and harassment are sometimes referred to separately and are defined by their legal definitions.
A study that assess the impact of incivility on workers from Australia and Singapore. References other studies across the world related to the impact of incivility on the workplace. The study concluded that "results indicated that workplace incivility contributed to burnout/exhaustion, which in turn predicted employees’ job dissatisfaction and work withdrawal".
Loh, J.M.I., Thorsteinsson, E.B. and Loi, N.M. (2021), Workplace incivility and work outcomes: cross-cultural comparison between Australian and Singaporean employees. Asia Pac J Hum Resour, 59: 305-329. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.12233
2. Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (website)
Based in Victoria, Australia, provides advice on bullying, harassment and discrimination. They also provide a complaint service and education services for residences of Victoria.
3. Worksafe Victoria (website)
Government authority based in Victoria, Australia, provides sample policies and procedures, case studies and guidance documents for employers and employees.
4. Risk factors for workplace bullying: A systematic review (research paper, 2019)
Review of international research to identify risk factors for workplace bullying. Review found work stress, high work pressure, role ambiguity and monotonous work were some factors that increased the risk of workplace bullying. The review also reviews the types of leadership that are more, or less, likely to create an environment where bullying occurs.
Feijó FR, Gräf DD, Pearce N, Fassa AG. Risk Factors for Workplace Bullying: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16(11):1945. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111945
5. Framework for Mental Health and Well Being (document / guide)
Produced by The US Surgeon General provides a five part framework that provides a foundation to get the best out of people in any workplace. The five foundations are protection from harm, connection and community, work-life harmony, mattering at work and opportunity for growth. The document is extensively referenced and provides links to many other useful resources. Applicable to an international context.
6. Why being respectful to your coworkers is good for business - Christine Porath (TED talk - video)
Christine Porath is visiting Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at North Carolina University and researches the costs of incivility to the workplace. This 15 minute talk covers some of the main findings of her research.
7. Workplace Bullying Institute (website, USA)
The Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) began in 1997 and is run by psychologists Drs. Ruth and Gary Numie. Provides extensive resources, survey data and information and while USA based the resources transfer to an international context. Some resources are free and others require a payment.
8. Developing a workplace bullying risk audit tool (guide, Australia, 2018)
A guide to creating a bullying risk audit tool for the workplace. The guide is based on a review of 342 bullying complaints lodged with Safework South Australia.
9. Guide to preventing and responding to workplace bullying (guide, Australia, 2016)
For the Australian context but has content that is applicable to a worldwide audience. Content is consistent with current research and covers: the impacts of bullying, how to respond to workplace bullying and how to prevent bullying. Published by Safe Work Australia, a government funded policy boy that aims "to achieve healthier, safer and more productive workplaces".
10. Bergen Bullying Research Group (website, Norway)
Research team based at the University of Bergen, Norway. Extensive list of publications and articles that approach incivility and bullying from a research base. Research team is "devoted to research on workplace bullying and harassment, constructive and destructive forms of leadership, stress and emotions in organisations, and whistleblowing".
A research based report that quantifies the costs to an organisation of a low psychosocial safety climate (PSC). Research has indicated that "improving Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) and also improving three psychological health outcomes: depression, psychological distress, and engagement may be effective in reducing sickness absence and presenteeism." Low PSC has been linked to higher incidences of bullying.
12. National Workplace Bullying Coalition (website, USA)
The National Workplace Bullying Coalition is a US based not-for-profit that partners with workplaces to eliminate bullying. It has a resources page that includes articles and videos, as well as a blog with a range of articles on bullying.