Victims of workplace bullying in Ireland

Abstract

There is a growing awareness of the problem of bullying behaviour in the workplace. Most of our knowledge of bullying behaviour in Ireland is gained from international research. The present paper reports results from a study involving self-referred victims of workplace bullying in Ireland. The nature and effects of bullying is examined as well as the victims’ personality and their views of the cause of victimisation. The findings support international research in that bullying is damaging to the physical and mental health and to the careers of victims. The results highlight the need for early intervention and the development of anti-bullying programmes in the workplace.