Bullying

In theory

Bullying is one of the most frequently used words to describe unwanted interpersonal behavior in the workplace, together with mobbing and harassment. Mobbing and bullying are generally used to describe “systematic aggressive behaviour from one or more people over a long period of time, in a situation where the target finds it difficult to defend themselves or to escape the situations”. Bullying can result in stigmatization and potential psychological trauma for the target.

In practice

Bullying can take many forms including but not limited to physical, verbal, or written acts or behavior and excluding behavior such as ignoring or dismissing individuals or groups. The power differentials and the formal levels of protection found in academic environments make addressing bullying a complex issue.