Workplace Bullying: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Workplace bullying is a phenomenon that appears widely in research literature in a variety of disciplines. The review found that a concise definition for workplace bullying was not available in the literature and in the United States there was a lack of federal legislation addressing workplace bullying. This integrative review reports that bullying is categorized as work related, personal, and physical/threatening. These behaviors occurring in the workplace negatively impact both the individual and organization. Outcomes to individuals are viewed in terms of impacting work, health (physical and emotional), and affective domains such as motivation. Negative organizational impacts of workplace bullying are classified in terms of cost, productivity, reputation, legal issues, and organizational culture. This review suggests methods that HRD professionals can implement to help individuals and organizations reduce workplace bullying. Suggestions are provided for future empirical research for HRD professions in relation to workplace bullying.