Workplace Bullying: The Risk Factors

Organisational change

• Significant technological change;
• Restructuring / downsizing;
• Change in work method/s;
• Outsourcing; and
• Change in supervisor / manager

Negative leadership styles

Autocratic leadership characterised by:

• Styles that are strict and directive; workers not involved in decision making; and not allowing flexibility

Laissez-faire leadership characterised by:

• Inadequate or absent supervision; responsibilities inappropriately and informally delegated to subordinates; and little or no guidance provided to subordinates

Lack of appropriate work systems

• Lack of resources;
• Lack of training;
• Lack of role definition;
• Uncertainty about job roles and way work should be done;
• Poorly designed rostering;
• Unreasonable performance measures or timeframes; and
• Lack of support systems

Poor workplace relationships

• Criticism and other negative interactions;
• Negative relationships between supervisors and workers;
• Interpersonal conflict; and
• Workers excluded

Workforce characteristics

Vulnerable workers, including:

• Young workers;
• New workers;
• Apprentices;
• Injured workers and workers on return to work plans;
• Piece workers; and
• Workers in a minority because of: ethnicity, religion, disability, political views, gender or sexual preference