Bullying is not a new phenomenon. It is almost expected among children and teenagers. However, many would be surprised to learn how widespread bullying is in the workforce. Of those who are not surprised, many would likely assume that the role of the bully is played by a male supervisor. However, a recent survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute reveals that approximately forty percent of bullies are women. Moreover, women are the targets of bullies fifty-seven percent of the time.
A recent article in the New York Times, entitled “Backlash: Women Bullying Women at Work,” focused on the rise of women bullying other women at work. The article indicates that while male bullies often target men and women alike, women are more likely to bully female colleagues than their male counterparts. Moreover, the bully is often someone in a position of power. Furthermore, whereas men are more obvious with their bullying tactics, female bullies are more likely to be covert. The article also suggests that the increase in women bullies is correlated with their on-going struggle with the glass ceiling. Many women feel they must give off a “tough as nails” vibe to get, and stay, ahead.
Employers beware: if a supervisor, male or female, unleashes an unequal amount of aggression on female employees, the employer may be held liable for sex-based harassment or sex discrimination. Therefore, employers in general and supervisors in particular should refrain from questionable conduct that might be taken as harassing or discriminatory.
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