Why Do They Bully? Bullying Behavior and Its Implication on the Bullied

Abstract

This study examined the causes that lead to the development of workplace bullying behavior and its subsequent implication on the bullied employee in the Indian organizational context. It also attempted to shed some light into the prevailing culture in the Indian organizations that influence workplace bullying in a sample of 24 employees associated with three different companies. Qualitative methods were used to collect the data via in-depth interviews. During the discussion, four main causes leading to workplace bullying were uncovered. These were relative of the employer, the caste syndrome, affiliation with a political party, and misuse of positional power. As a consequence of this, four themes were uncovered that highlighted the impact of workplace bullying on the bullied employees. They were (a) prevalence of high stress, (b) impact on motivation and morale, (c) development of destructive behavior, and (d) intentions to leave. The study also provides some suggestions that could be used by the organizational forerunners to curb workplace bullying and improve the organization culture.

KEYWORDS:

• culture
• India
• intentions to leave
• qualitative
• stress
• workplace bullying

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges Prof. Suhash Jagdale, Mr. Kalyani Prasad Dhar, and Mr. Praveen Kumar for their valuable inputs, continuous support, and encouragement that they have extended in various ways while conducting this study.