Caught in the crossfire: Bullying of those in managerial positions

Research on workplace bullying often considers those in managerial positions as perpetrators or resources in the process. There is a lack of studies focusing on them as targets, with most existing research centred on upward bullying. The aim of this study was to investigate all forms of bullying, comparing first-line managers with those higher up in the hierarchy and with workers, and examining how perceived social support and laissez-faire leadership affect exposure. Using a probability sample of the Swedish workforce, the results showed that managers are generally as exposed to bullying as workers. For first-line managers, exposure depended on the perception of laissez-faire leadership from their immediate superior. Social support was beneficial for all but did not have a differential effect. Organizational efforts to mitigate bullying must ensure that anti-bullying measures explicitly include all hierarchical levels, with extra focus on first-line managers.