Am I my own worst enemy? The experiences of bullying targets who are also aggressors

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare the experiences of workers who perceive themselves as both targets and aggressors (aggressor‐targets) with the experiences of other workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on the results of a cross‐sectional self‐report questionnaire‐based study (n=180).

Findings

Aggressor‐targets reported performing more aggressive behaviors than did pure bullies. They also engaged in multiple types of coping strategies, but did so ineffectively as evidenced by their high levels of negative health outcomes.

Practical implications

It is possible that aggressor‐targets employed many coping behaviors as a means of dealing with their situation, but they had some difficulty doing so without assistance. Consequently, aggressor‐targets may be open to intervention efforts. Since this group constitutes the largest percentage of bullies and was responsible for most of the reported bullying acts, examining their experiences may help organizations reduce the overall incidence of bullying.

Originality/value

This exploratory study contributes to the small number of studies that have examined the situation of bullying targets who have also engaged in aggression in the workplace.

Citation

Brotheridge, C.M., Lee, R.T. and Power, J.L. (2012), "Am I my own worst enemy? The experiences of bullying targets who are also aggressors", Career Development International, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 358-374. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620431211255833