Bosses Get Bullied Too: Exploring Upwards Bullying to Learn More About Workplace Bullying

Abstract

Upwards bullying is a phenomenon that has received less attention than other forms of bullying (i.e. horizontal and downwards bullying). In part historical, and also driven by the higher number of people experiencing horizontal and downwards bullying, the limited acknowledgement of upwards bullying does not diminish the effect that bullying by subordinates can have on managers and supervisors. Research clearly demonstrates that upwards bullying affects managers/supervisors in a similar way to other targets. Indeed, it may in fact be complicated by the perceptions of others (e.g. fellow managers who believe that “you should be able to manage it”) that can lead to further feelings of shame and helplessness that targets often experience. Such perceptions by others and managers themselves can lead to ignoring the processes of bullying and the development of associated power imbalances between perpetrator and target, as well as the emotional toll that bullying can take on a target. Indeed, upwards bullying research is informing the field regarding how power imbalances can be created especially by highlighting the role that alternative forms of power (e.g. referent, network) can be used tacitly or intentionally to support bullying behaviour. Importantly, it also points to how the system designed to support targets can be used as a weapon against a manager or colleague, thereby undermining the justice process within workplaces. In addition to ongoing research into all facets of upwards bullying in the workplace, further research into how the grievance system can be strengthened is called for.