Workplace bullying of social workers
Keywords:
workplace bullying, qualitative study,Abstract
Workplace bullying has become a topic of international interest in recent years, but remains under-researched in social work. This paper reports on a qualitative study of 17 social workers who reported being bullied in the workplace. The participants told of being persistently targeted with escalating oppressive behaviours, generally by superiors such as supervisors and managers. The bullying had a negative impact on work-related confidence and led to increasing anxiety and stress that was manifested emotionally, socially and physically. Most participants left the workplace in which they encountered bullying, generally following attempts at seeking and negotiating change. Contrary to their fears, most were able to find new employment in another social work agency. Amongst the most lasting impacts on participants was a change in ‘worldview’ including a change in general levels of trust and perceptions of caring professions. The overwhelming impression is of resilient workers, who have reflected on their experiences and are now striving to contribute, from what they have learned, to the building of positive workplaces.References
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