Softpanorama (slightly skeptical) Open Source Software Educational Society

May the source be with you, but remember the KISS principle ;-)

Workplace Bullies

It is important to understand that workplace bulling is just one common tactics of corporate psychopaths.  So as a scientific category  "bully bosses" do not withstand any scrutiny.  Female bosses bullying  has some distinctive differences. It sometimes comes as a surprise to realize that women bosses are equally as capable of bullying behavior or even more capable then men bosses.

Women are supposed to be co-operative rather than competitive, more inclined towards empathy, and less towards seeking dominance. Women are often portrayed as caring more than men about personal experience and feelings. It may be true that women bosses are less inclined to indulge in public rages and more in covert intimidation. Research indicates, however, that women bosses are inclined towards

• The cold shoulder
• Refusing to communicate with the perceived offender
• Sulking (defined as "To be sullenly aloof or withdrawn, as in silent resentment or protest." Sulking is really just silent form of tantrums.)
• Passive aggressive behavior.

Paradoxically female bully bosses are not sexist at all: most of their victims are women.

Reviews

*** The Bully at Work What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job

Gary Namie, Ruth, Ph.D. Namie

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570715343
• ISBN-13: 978-1570715341

A weak book with a few good spots. Most part is useless but Chapter 19 is worth the price of a used book. It discusses internal grievances procedures and legal actions with certain degree of realism.  They correctly state that all internal complaint systems (except many be a very few) exist to protect the employer. It you decide to go this road it is important to operate with concrete violation of P&P then with vague claim like cruelty, mistreatment, misconduct, or bulling.  Sexual harassment is a special case.

Unless you have a strong allies chances are good that you will be one leaving.  It is not just of fair; it is simply how organizations work. But watch you back. To many targets mistook the bully's allies for potential friends. Bullies cultivate a network of friends because this network ensures their career security.

One of the most important information about bullies are their former subordinates in previous jobs. Bullies leave a trace of shattered lives. Former subordinates tend to be more honest with you as they are no longer are afraid of retaliation.

Old News ;-)

When You Work for a Bully Assessing Your Options and Taking Action

Susan Futterman

The Haves and the Have Nots The Abuse of Power and Privilege in the Workplace ... and How to Control It

Harvey A. Hornstein

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Pearson Education; 1st edition (August 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130497665
• ISBN-13: 978-0130497666

A Survival Guide for Working With Bad Bosses Dealing With Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, And Other Managers from Hell

Gini Graham Scott

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM/American Management Association (November 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814472982
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472989
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches

Keep looking this one falls short, March 25, 2006
 

Reviewer:

C. Shaddox - See all my reviews

I was rather disapointed in this book. It appears that Ms. Graham Scott's prefered method of dealing with bad bosses is just to put up with them and keep things as status quo hoping it will all work out in the end.

Pretty lame advise in my opinion. I am looking for a book that actually helps me solve problems not just put up with them.

Last modified: February 28, 2008