Bullying

FROM: Jean McLeod, PhD researcher
SUBJECT: Bullying
EMAIL: mcleodj@aston.ac.uk
 
Dear editor
The article Is it bullying or just being bossy? in the June/July 2010 issue of Midwives highlights the huge costs of workplace bullying, particularly in terms of the drain on human and financial resources. The purpose of the research study is firstly to understand intention and the role it plays in the bully-victim dyad, and secondly, to create an early intervention tool, which supported by a positive effect culture will ensure that organisational anti-bullying policies are implemented successfully. 
 
The tool will draw together the differences between the bully who does so unconsciously and the bullied, creating or restoring harmony to the workplace. Naturally, where the tool identifies that conscious bullying has taken place, then appropriate disciplinary procedures can be assumed.
 
In order to undertake this 18-month study, I will need the help of individuals who have been accused of being a bully (whatever terminology may have been used).  It does not matter what the outcome of any investigation was or at what stage in the process you are, what is very important is your story.
 
I should also like to talk with individuals who have witnessed what they would describe as bullying, but have never been targeted and individuals who have never witnessed it. You do not have to be a midwife or a nurse as every person’s opinion counts. All interviews will be anonymised in the research write-up and you may pull out of the study at any stage. If your voice is not heard, then those charged with the investigation of cases like these in the future may not deal with it in the sensitive, objective manner required to ensure that justice is done.  Should you know someone who has been the subject of an accusation, please let them know about this study as it may be the start of their healing process.
 
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email above or Tel: 0121 204 3317. My postal address is: Aston Business School, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B7 4ET.