Member Article

'Lack of management skills' is major cause of workplace bullying

Two thirds of managers believe that lack of management skills is the major factor contributing to bullying at work, according to recent research. Other factors cited in the Ban Bullying At Work survey included unrealistic targets, authoritarian management styles, personality, and failure to address incidents.

The survey also revealed regional variations in managers’ attitudes to workplace bullying. In the North East the figure was higher than the national average with 74% citing lack of management skills as a major factor contributing to workplace bullying. In the South West Managers believed that personality was the most influential factor with 66%.

Lyn Witheridge, CEO of www.banbullyingatwork.com, said: “It is clear that managers now acknowledge that bullying behaviour in the workplace takes many forms and creates deep repercussions. In fact bullying costs UK businesses £18 billion per year one in four people has experienced bullying in the workplace. We are challenging businesses to speak out against bullying to create workplaces where employees can see clearly that bullying behaviours will not be tolerated. We want to inspire managers to speak out and instill a culture where business is not frightened to stand-up to the bullies.”

The top reason why organisations should deal with bullying at work was low morale with 66%. Falling productivity was second with 37% and reducing absenteeism was third with 24%. In Scotland 77% managers cited low morale, higher than the national average while in South West England managers were less concerned with falling productivity as a result with 23%.

Now in its fifth year the Ban Bullying At Work day will take place on 7 November. Businesses and individuals can request their participation pack and find out more information at www.banbullyingatwork.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .