Bullying

The following three factors distinguish bullying from everyday conflicts:

  1. A person is targeted directly,
  2. over a prolonged period of time, and
  3. the person affected is clearly in an inferior position.

Bullying can be done by individuals but also by groups. It can occur among peers (e.g. within a group of employees or students) or across hierarchical levels. Executives can also be bullied by employees.

In the long term, bullying can lead to severe physical and/or mental health issues for those affected.

Good to know

  • Bullying is not the same as a conflict at work or university.
  • The aim of bullying is to isolate, intimidate and, in the long term, force out those affected.
  • Bullying is a form of psychological violence. It includes humiliation, threats, social exclusion, continued and unjustified criticism, being given meaningless tasks and spreading false facts and rumours.