The cycle of abuse is a social cycle theory developed in the 1970s to explain patterns of behaviour in an abusive relationship. The fundamental idea of the theory is abusive relationships are characterized by a predictable repetitious pattern of emotional, psychological or physical abuse (Walker, 1979). The cycle usually goes in the following order and […]

According to WBTI research, 71 percent of bullies are in higher positions in comparison to their targets (Namie, 2003). Most bullies in the workplace have been reported to be bosses or superiors. A small proportion of bullies (4 percent according to the American Psychiatric Association) may have genuinely disordered personalities – antisocial or narcissistic, but […]

Workplace Bullying is defined as a specific phenomenon where aggressive and intimidating behaviours are directed systematically at one or more colleagues or subordinates leading to a stigmatization and victimization of the recipient (Leymann, 1996). These repeated actions and practices are directed to one or more workers, which are unwanted by the victim. Bullying may be […]

Rather than place blame on the bully, stigmatize the target, or censure organization, a valuable solution to this endemic problem should be one that is mutually beneficial to everyone affected by workplace bullying. From an organizational perspective, the solution should be one that enhances their image and is linked to their stated mission (Preventing and […]