Step-by-step to stopping the cyber-bully: How organizations can help to tackle the menace

Abstract

Purpose

Describes the role of HR in addressing traditional bullying and cyber-bullying at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains how organizations can design policy guidelines to tackle the issue of bullying and, thereby, help every employee to contribute to his or her best ability.

Findings

Argues that the proliferation of electronic communication has made cyber-bullying rampant in workplaces and has devastating effects on some employees.

Practical implications

Advances the view that creating a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, using technological help, conducting structured interviews, providing an employee-sensitization program, crafting effective job design and, from time to time, taking employees’ opinion can go a long way in ensuring a safe workplace for all.

Social implications

Shows that bullying in any form is a social menace both for employees and the organization, and it needs to be nipped in the bud.

Originality/value

Provides insights into how organizations can effectively address the issue of bullying at the workplace.

Citation

Sarkar, A. (2015), "Step-by-step to stopping the cyber-bully: How organizations can help to tackle the menace", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 31-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-07-2015-0129