Office Bullying and Harassment Policy Volume Nov 2013 | Page 37

Who are the bullies?
It’s difficult to generalize characteristics of people who bully and harass, and there are many
reasons why people might engage in bullying and harassment, including:
•

lack of effective management training

•

the desire to gain or exercise power over someone

•

trying to stop someone else from “getting ahead” in the workplace

•

having poor interpersonal or communication skills, low self-esteem, or insecurities

Someone who bullies others might be suffering from a mental illness, experiencing personal
challenges, or be unaware of how his or her behaviour affects others.
At the heart of intentional bullying and harassment is often a sense of exerting power or control over
another person. The goal is to undermine, discredit, embarrass, or harm the target through sabotage,
insults, or humiliation. Power can come in many forms, including the following:

•

holding a formal position of power in the workplace

•

being friends or having connections with influential people or workplace decision-makers

•

having access to resources that give one person an advantage over others

•

being older, or having more experience or seniority

Sometimes people do not understand their behaviour can be harmful. They may not realize how
they’re perceived by others, or know the best ways to communicate difficult or sensitive matters.
Coaching can be effective in shifting bullying behaviour in cases where individuals have a compelling
reason to change — such as someone knowing he or she might lose his or her job if the bullying and
harassing behaviour continues.

Toward a respectful workplace

23