ENG1503 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2024 (Solutions)
New case deals with bullying in the workplace in South Africa
Staff Writer
1. Bullying is a word synonymous with the type of conduct expected in school playgrounds. It is
not a word that is usually associated with the workplace, notes Sibusiso...
, 1.1.
Bullying, traditionally viewed as a phenomenon restricted to school playgrounds,
surprisingly permeates the professional environment, manifesting as a prevalent issue
within workplaces as well. The text underscores this unexpected reality, revealing two
significant factors contributing to its prevalence in the workplace. Firstly, the existence of
coercive power dynamics between individuals or groups (Dube, cited in Staff Writer, 2024)
plays a pivotal role. When power is misused by those in superior positions, it creates an
environment ripe for bullying, as it allows for the exertion of control and dominance over
less powerful employees. This misuse of power can lead to various forms of bullying,
including verbal abuse and intimidation, which are detrimental to the victim's self-esteem
and professional standing.
Another contributing factor is the lack of a proactive stance against bullying by employers,
as highlighted by the introduction of the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and
Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (Staff Writer, 2024). Before the enforcement
of this code, there might have been an insufficient emphasis on creating and maintaining a
respectful and dignified working environment. This absence of a structured approach to
prevent bullying allowed such behaviors to flourish unchecked, further exacerbating the
issue within the workplace.
Drawing from these insights, two examples that illustrate these factors include a scenario
where a manager consistently belittles and criticizes a subordinate in team meetings,
leveraging their position of power to humiliate and isolate the individual. This not only
undermines the subordinate's confidence but also sets a precedent for acceptable conduct
within the team, fostering an environment where bullying is normalized. Another example
could be a workplace lacking clear policies or mechanisms for reporting and addressing
bullying, resulting in employees feeling helpless and unprotected. This lack of support and
fear of retaliation may discourage victims from speaking out, allowing bullying behaviors to
persist and escalate.
In summary, the prevalence of workplace bullying is significantly influenced by the misuse
of power dynamics and the absence of proactive anti-bullying measures by employers.
Addressing these factors is crucial in creating a safe and respectful working environment
for all employees.
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