Defining and Identifying Workplace Bullying

To view the PowerPoint slide deck, click here.

Workplace Conflict Resource Map

Our new website (workplace.msu.edu) includes a glossary with definitions of 57 terms and phrases related workplace bullying. This session will give you an overview of those key terms and their respective definitions. This session is intended for staff, faculty, post-docs, and grad students who would like to dive deeper to understand these key terms and phrases and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions to the WorkLife staff about some of the intricacies of the terminology. Understanding workplace bullying is the first step to addressing it.

“Workplace bullying encompasses both intentional and unwitting behaviors (words, gestures, images, actions, and failure to act) which, over time, humiliate, demoralize, or terrorize an employee or group of employees, undermine their targets’ credibility and effectiveness, and contribute to a disrespectful or hostile work environment. (Research Team on Workplace Violence and Abuse, Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, University of New Brunswick).”

We will also discuss how workplace bullying relates to specific roles, identities, and job classifications. For example:

Where do I go if I am a grad student or post-doc who is being bullied?

Who do I talk to if my supervisor is bullying me?

What types of discrimination and harassment concerns are handled by the Office of Institutional Equity?

What types of complaints, conflicts or problems are issues the ombudsperson might address?