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Bystander Responses to Bullying at Work: The Role of Mode, Type and Relationship to Target

Author

Listed:
  • Iain Coyne

    (Loughborough University)

  • Alana-Marie Gopaul

    (Ministry of Public Administration)

  • Marilyn Campbell

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Alexandra Pankász

    (Korn Ferry HayGroup)

  • Robyn Garland

    (Griffith University)

  • Frances Cousans

    (Senior Assessment and Development Consultant)

Abstract

Framed within theories of fairness and stress, the current paper examines bystanders’ intervention intention to workplace bullying across two studies based on international employee samples (N = 578). Using a vignette-based design, we examined the role of bullying mode (offline vs. online), bullying type (personal vs. work-related) and target closeness (friend vs. work colleague) on bystanders’ behavioural intentions to respond, to sympathise with the victim (defender role), to reinforce the perpetrator (prosecutor role) or to be ambivalent (commuter role). Results illustrated a pattern of the influence of mode and type on bystander intentions. Bystanders were least likely to support the victim and more likely to agree with perpetrator actions for cyberbullying and work-related acts. Tentatively, support emerged for the effect of target closeness on bystander intentions. Although effect sizes were small, when the target was a friend, bystanders tended to be more likely to act and defend the victim and less likely to reinforce the perpetrator. Implications for research and the potential for bystander education are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Iain Coyne & Alana-Marie Gopaul & Marilyn Campbell & Alexandra Pankász & Robyn Garland & Frances Cousans, 2019. "Bystander Responses to Bullying at Work: The Role of Mode, Type and Relationship to Target," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(3), pages 813-827, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:157:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-017-3692-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3692-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Omer Farooq Malik & Shaun Pichler, 2023. "Linking Perceived Organizational Politics to Workplace Cyberbullying Perpetration: The Role of Anger and Fear," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(2), pages 445-463, August.
    2. Meglich Patricia & Porter Tracy & Day Nancy, 2020. "Does sexual orientation of bullying target influence bystander response?," The Irish Journal of Management, Sciendo, vol. 39(1), pages 17-33, August.

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