“Workplace bullying is clearly a concern for an increasing number of teachers and lecturers. The effects include symptoms of stress, anxiety or trauma for the victim, a decline in emotional and physical wellbeing, sickness absence and in extreme cases, resignation.”
Patrick Nash, chief executive of the Teacher Support Network declared “Workplace bullying is clearly a concern for an increasing number of teachers and lecturers. The effects include symptoms of stress, anxiety or trauma for the victim, a decline in emotional and physical wellbeing, sickness absence and in extreme cases, resignation.”
The problem of bullying in the academic world is widespread. A recent survey in the Times Higher Education Supplement revealed that over 40% of respondents were currently the victims of bullying. The survey also revealed that harassment was specifically rife amongst employees of social sciences, psychology in particular. Interestingly university human resources departments are seen by staff as protective of the institutions and the bullies themselves, instead of the victims.
The investigation has been launched with the aim of achieving a greater understanding of what constitutes overtly aggressive behaviour, as well as helping cast out a support net to the many teachers and lecturers suffering from mistreatment in the work place. The results of the investigation will be available online once the survey has been completed.
