Cyberbullying at work
Cyberbullying at work
Cyberbullying at work
Is your networking naughty or nice? Cyberbullying at work…
Businesses and all organizations are moving literally at the speed of light. Through the constant access with blackberries, smart phones and notebooks, we can communicate strategies and objectives on the fly and respond in seconds to threats or opportunities. While we are LINKEDin, tweeting friends, and liking our space, the information we offer has an immediate impact on business, positive or negative.
Many small businesses are relying on that cyber shingle to attract potential clients to their websites. The power of SEO, and social networking minimizes costs for the small business owner, and enables any organization to reach 100s of thousands of people from a desk top. In addition to services, the power of cyber network allows for virtual and distance learning training opportunities and virtual meetings which eliminate costly travel time.
These networking tools were meant for good not evil; yet when malice enters the equation, cyber networking capabilities turn into a virtual nightmare for the target. The power of the internet has been used to manipulate and harass employees. 
By definition found in the Megan Meier Cyber bullying Prevention Act; Cyber bullying is when someone “transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.” While the term cyber bullying in many circles is applied to children and adolescents, bullying in any form in the workplace is destructive and costly to the organization. Some estimates reveal that the bullying costs organization over $64 BILLION a year.
In the workplace, bullying online or cyber bullying includes circulating inappropriate pictures of the target, making fun of the target or telling inappropriate jokes in email. More subtle forms of online bullying humiliate the target regarding a work situation; berate the person for job performance, or openly and rudely questioning the target’s expertise. These messages circulated through email and workplace electronic bulletin boards use technology to create a toxic workplace. When networking technology is used to hurt the target, the results are similar to on ground bullying. The target faces emotional distress, withdraws from workplace activities and socialization. Cyber bullying on the job creates anxiety for the target and the others witnessing or in this case reading the bullying behavior. When an organization fails to stop cyber bullying, they in fact permit the inappropriate use of technology and harbor behavior which jeopardizes organizational productivity.
Just like any tool, networking has amazingly productive applications which can have a positive impact on the organization. However the negative application to bullying will generate costly turnover, and create a disengaged staff that spends more time avoiding the bully than concentrating on organizational business.
Solutions for organizations
- Create a healthy work environment where cyber bullying or any other form of incivility is halted and prohibited by policy.
- Have clear policies about privacy and misuse of technology. Even events that occurred outside of work, yet inappropriately broadcasting personal and private information are actionable offenses.
- State clearly the acceptable use of facebook, twitter, LINKEDin or other internet based networking tools used for professional networking.
- Train managers and supervisors how to handle cyber bullying and bullying to maintain a healthy workplace.