“A common misconception is that victims of bullying are invariably weak, timid, submissive and often possessing negative attitudes about themselves. This profile, particularly of adult victims of workplace bullying, is very much at variance with the majority view of those writing on the subject. Research which has been undertaken on adult bullying, has consistently failed to link bullying to the victim’s personality. The image of the victim… as insipid and inadequate belies the reality of the many positive attributes typically possessed by the bullied victim. Integrity, empathy, and confidence are frequently cited among these attributes. People who are good at their jobs, are popular with colleagues, speak out against unethical behaviour and are intolerant of hypocrisy are often targets of bullying. Those with the integrity to withstand the efforts of the bully to create a group of “yes men or women” risk being victimised. It is often the person who tries to change the system, who introduces new systems with enthusiasm and is potentially an organisation’s best asset, who becomes the victim of bullying.
The notion that personality characteristics are causes of bullying, is widely disputed. Personality changes as a result of bullying however, is not disputed. Confident and strong people once bullied often become weak and insecure. Bullying makes victims doubt themselves, sometimes even doubt their sanity. It can make competent people feel stupid and inadequate. A bullied victim’s position and influence in the workplace are very much weakened. Their viewpoint on the problem may not be accepted by their colleagues or management. This experience can be devastating to their confidence and self-esteem. People who have previously been reasonable and balanced in their relations with others may, as a result of bullying, display irrational and erratic behaviour consistent with mental injury.”
Bigg Elephant 
Leave a Reply