Information for Managers
The prevention approach used in this framework is based on the premise that bullying can occur in any workplace, given certain circumstances.
- Bullying Awareness
- Workplace Bullying Consultation
- Control the Risk
- Identify Risk Factors
- Bullying Information and Training
- Monitor Bullying
- Policy for Bullying
- Reporting Bullying
While an agency/area may appear free from bullying, it may still be happening. Bullying behaviour can be difficult to detect. Incidents of bullying may not always be reported because employees might:
- fear retribution or “payback” from the bully;
- believe that no-one will act on the problem;
- fear being labelled “weak” or “whinging”;
- think that reporting will affect their career prospects;
- accept bullying as a normal part of work culture;
- fear being the next target; and
- feel shame or guilt they have done something to encourage the behaviour.
It is easier to prevent workplace bullying than it is to intervene after an event or mediate to break an established pattern of bullying.
As bullying can occur wherever people work together, this framework recommends that agencies implement a range of complementary prevention measures.
The recommended prevention measures in the model illustrated below are designed to reduce the likelihood of bullying occurring in the workplace.
Because any one measure by itself will not adequately reduce the risk of bullying, it is important that these measures are used in conjunction with each other.