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Examples of bullying

Bullying may take the form of physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct.

The following are examples of bullying behaviour:

  • Shouting at someone, being sarcastic towards them, ridiculing or demeaning others
  • Insensitive jokes and pranks
  • Name-calling
  • Abusive, threatening or insulting words or behaviour
  • Demanding a greater work output than is reasonably feasible
  • Blocking promotion or other development/advancement
  • Physical or psychological threats
  • Deliberately excluding someone from meetings or communications or conversations without good reason
  • Inappropriate and/or derogatory remarks about someone's performance
  • Abuse of authority or power by those in positions of seniority

Distinction between bullying management behaviour and strong management

Bullying management behaviour

  • Unjustified, excessive monitoring and/or supervision (micro-managing)
  • Making threats
  • Intimidating or threatening behaviour
  • Physical and verbal abuse
  • Aggressive communications
  • Humiliating people in front of others
  • Refusing to listen to concerns or opinions
  • Addressing people by their job title or grade rather than by name
  • Setting someone up to fail (e.g. setting a target or objective that cannot be achieved)
  • Constant changing of targets for no justifiable reason
  • Withholding necessary information
  • Persistent, excessive, unfair or unjustified criticism
  • Persistent devaluing of a person’s effort
  • Ignoring people for promotion
  • Unreasonably blocking requests for leave

Strong, fair management behaviour

  • Setting and agreeing achievable tasks and goals
  • Consistent and fair actions
  • Giving constructive feedback
  • Managing performance by recognising good performance and constructively tackling poor performance
  • Sharing information freely
  • Realistic about strengths and development needs
  • Giving credit where credit is due
  • Addressing someone by their name

Please note: the above lists are not exclusive or exhaustive.

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