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Exploring the fluid boundary between ‘legitimate performance management’ and ‘downward bullying’: an experimental approach

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  • Andrew R. Timming
  • Michael T. French
  • Di Fan

Abstract

Using an experimental design, this research examines the extent to which managers and employees perceive management behaviours differently. Eight simulated employment scenarios were presented to an aggregated sample of managers and non‐managerial employees (n = 435), and the respondents were asked to evaluate the extent to which the behaviours depicted are seen as bullying. It was found that employees are more likely than managers to perceive ‘legitimate performance management’ as bullying but also that managers are more likely than employees to perceive more overt bullying as bullying per se. This divergence in perceptions suggests that what constitutes bullying, ontologically speaking, depends on one's point of view and implies that reality is socially constructed. The research has important implications for organisations and trade unions in the development of bullying policies and procedures.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew R. Timming & Michael T. French & Di Fan, 2019. "Exploring the fluid boundary between ‘legitimate performance management’ and ‘downward bullying’: an experimental approach," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(4), pages 348-361, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:50:y:2019:i:4:p:348-361
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bell, Myrtle P. & Özbilgin, Mustafa F. & Beauregard, T. Alexandra & Sürgevil, Olca, 2011. "Voice, silence, and diversity in 21st century organizations: strategies for inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 32094, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Andrew R Timming, 2010. "Dissonant cognitions in European works councils: A ‘comparative ethnomethodological’ approach," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 31(4), pages 521-535, November.
    3. Premilla D'Cruz & Ernesto Noronha, 2014. "Workplace bullying in the context of organisational change: the significance of pluralism," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(1), pages 2-21, January.
    4. Dennis Nickson & Andrew R Timming & Daniel Re & David I Perrett, 2016. "Subtle Increases in BMI within a Healthy Weight Range Still Reduce Womens Employment Chances in the Service Sector," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-14, September.
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