Examining the Relationship Between the Perceived Work Environment and Workplace Bullying

This study examined the relationship between perceived work environment variables and bullying behaviours among 180 workers from the public service, elementary school, health care, and potash mine industries located on the Canadian prairies. The results indicate that a heavy workload and a poor team atmosphere predicted a composite measure of bullying as well as two of its components: work being undermined and belittlement. Belittlement was also predicted by low job autonomy and unfair treatment. The findings suggest that potential mechanisms for discouraging aggressive and bullying behaviours are to promote empowerment, coworker support, balanced workloads, and the fair treatment of employees.