Incivility at Work: A Project Management Case Involving Workplace Bullying

Abstract

This situation-based exercise explores the concept of workplace bullying -- abusive verbal or non-verbal behavior or sabotaging tactics which prevent workers from performing satisfactorily (Namie & Namie, 2004). Workplace bullying is costly as it distupts productivity and negatively impacts employee retention and recruitment (Becker, Bailey, & Catanio, 2014). Bullying often results from a power imbalance between victim and perpetrator; as such, human resource management can champion a strong organizational culture in which employees feel free to speak openly, question authority figures, and report workplace incivility concerns (Crothers, Lipinski, & Minutolo, 2009). A focus on identifying and creating resources to help victims creates a workplace environment that promotes civility and does not tolerate bullying. Training employees can help increase awareness of the issues involved. A case involving supervisory favoritism that accelerated a workplace bully is presented.