Even Academics can be Bullied
Posted by Vicki Scholtz | 17 Mar, 2010Workplace bullying is something many of us have lived through, but a convenient myth allows people to assume that academics are colleagial towards one another, except when it comes to finding parking space in University Avenue or the last chocolate croissant at Kwencha.
But even academics can be subject to bullying - as this account illustrates. While the "victim" is clearly not blameless, as her attitude demonstrates, the increasing powerlessness she feels as the situation worsens is familiar to anyone who experienced harassment in the workplace.
Policies are usually unambivalent on such matters, but facts seldom are. How behaviour is intended and how it is received can differ substantively, and when comments are made - and heard - context is critical. Power dynamics - inherent, background or internalised - matter. Often, it is simply easier to leave a toxic situation than to invoke justice.
With the academics having finally accepted their status as employees of the University and not colleagues, even they are now unionised and covered by the protection of the Act. If you feel you are being bullied in the workplace, speak to your union.
Marilyn's chocolate croissants are worth stabbing a colleague in the eye with a plastic fork for. Not sure about parking on University Avenue, though - I think that's a myth.
Posted by Butler Parker 17 Mar 2010, 19:26