Bullying or just a bit of workplace fun? Employers need to know where the line is drawn

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Four characteristics (intention to harm, imbalance in power, repeated behaviors, target interpretation) and two types (personal, work-related) were identified as fundamental to the definition of apprenticeship bullying. Being the target of bullying was found to be commonplace during an apprenticeship. Several antecedents were identified at the individual level (age, personality, physical appearance, work ethic, work performance) along with factors at the organization level (culture and leadership style) that determined whether bullying would occur. The consequences of apprenticeship bullying included poor individual (personal and work-related) and organizational outcomes. Targets of apprenticeship bullying also tended to use avoidance coping.

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