Equal Opportunity at Flinders University 2008

No Bullying at Flinders Respectful relationships require that all people are treated with integrity and goodwill; are aware of the impact of their behaviour on others; and adjust their interpersonal styles and methods to the social and cultural environment.

Bullying - What is it? Bullying defines persistent or ongoing behaviours directed towards an individual or group that a reasonable person, having regard to the circumstances, would find offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening and that potentially or actually affects health and wellbeing.

Examples acts or situations that use ‘strength’ or ‘power’ and that are displayed by an individual or a group who perceive(s) they are in a position of power, or that are received by an individual or group who perceives that the perpetrator is in a position of power

Examples deliberately withholding resources or information vital for effective work / academic performance (time, information, training, support, equipment)

Examples constantly changing work / study guidelines, requesting impossible deadlines, assigning unreasonable workload or demeaning tasks, denying appropriate breaks / leave

Examples coercive or persecuting behaviours which bewilder and confuse the recipient hostile nonverbal communication and/or interfering actions

Examples personal insults and name-calling, verbal abuse, sarcasm, threats, repeatedly shouting or swearing at staff or students

Examples spreading malicious gossip, rumours, innuendo tampering with a person’s personal belongings or work / study equipment

Some adverse effects: stress related illnesses, including headaches, nausea, insomnia loss of confidence, reduced self esteem, depression and suicide social isolation, absenteeism, overworking

What to do? Some possible actions: talk to someone about the alleged unreasonable behaviour to test perceptions of ‘reasonableness’ raise the matter directly with the person concerned change your response to the behaviour report it ‘up the line’ or to the Head of School make diary notes of instances describing the behaviour and the context within which it occurs

Am I a Bully? Do I use language which is insensitive? Do I physically stand over people? How often do other people disagree with me? How do I interact with others when I am stressed, angry or disappointed?

If a supervisor threatens a staff member with dismissal or mentions at the time of a disagreement that performance review is due soon, is this bullying?

Would withholding information from a co-worker be bullying?

If people within the workplace are spreading gossip or false rumours about another staff member, what policy might this fall under?

Is sarcasm a form of bullying?

When a supervisor requires work to be done without sufficient time in which to do it, is this bullying?

Joe’s work colleagues are polite at work, but exclude him from workplace social events – is this bullying?

Bob often corrects Mae’s work and gives her advice about how to perform her duties – is this bullying?

Terri doesn’t speak disrespectfully to Alan – actually she doesn’t speak to him at all – could this be bullying?

Innocent bystanders? All people have a responsibility to oppose bullying behaviours, for their own well-being, the well-being of others and to maintain the safety of our University community. Speak up, don’t ignore the behaviour – there is no such thing as an ‘innocent bystander’ where bullying is occurring.