Tag Archives: workplace bullying

Documentary about VQR suicide reveals a cautionary tale

Posted on by
Reply

Nearly two years after the managing editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review killed himself following complaints he made about his boss, Ted Genoways, Mr. Genoways has announced that he is stepping down as editor of the award-winning literary journal. – [Chronicle of Higher Education, April 4, 2012 Robin Wilson]

This weekend I finally finished editing the long version of my documentary about the aftermath of Kevin’s suicide.  It’s a revealing portrait of today’s workplace bullying movement, the lack of depth in media coverage about the topic, and a cautionary tale about the complexity of our office relationships.

The final film (hat tip consulting editor Pam Arnold) is exactly what I promised everyone who agreed to take part – a chance  to tell the story from their individual perspectives.   And, for the first time the POV of the alleged bully is included.  The result underscores the urgent need to embrace new approaches to this topic.   The long awaited web version has taken an exciting turn and will soon enter the web design and coding phase that will make it a truly interactive experience.  Now it’s time to turn to the interactive version.

Take the interactive experience now or you can purchase an educational DVD for a presentation 

Cultural differences in workplaces…

Posted on by
Reply

I was up early this morning using the web to research a topic when I happened to find this Korean article advising Korean workers how to understand the style of their Americans and Europeans  co-workers.   I met a Korean workplace bullying expert/researcher while I was filming at the 2008 International Conference on Workplace Bullying & Harassment.  She said that they were having difficulty developing a way to gauge harassment because the cultural differences were so great.  This article gives some insight into what she meant…  Continue reading →

Isn’t it time to re-link Workplace Violence and Workplace Bullying?

Posted on by
6

…The shootings came during an apparent counseling session between ICE supervisor Kevin Kozak and a lower-ranking supervisor, Agent Esequiel “Zeke” Garcia, where a third agent was in the room as a witness. During the hearing, Mr. Garcia allegedly drew his service weapon and shot Mr. Kozak six times. The third agent drew his weapon and killed Garcia… [February 18, 2012, CS Monitor]

During the 1990’s workplace shootings were prominently splashed across headlines in the mainstream news.   In response the FBI joined together with prominent researchers and leaders in this area and adopted the four (4) types of workplace violence (WPV).  One of those, type 3, was labeled worker-on-worker and research at the time already recognized the link between performance evaluations and tragic deadly shootings. At that same time a movement was underway by advocates to carve much of Type 3, which was often referred to at the time as “workplace aggression” into it’s own niche area by advocates of “workplace bullying (WPB).”

Continue reading →

OUTLAW WORKPLACE BULLYING: A chance to be heard!

Posted on by
9

How cool is this!

Beverly, You signed on February 10, 2012. Your signature has been delivered to: Department of Labor and President Obama

Finally we all have a pipeline to tell our stories and ask for respect and dignity in the workplace. Here’s what I told them:

Many of us have experienced the devastating consequences of this abuse first hand. Some, like myself, were lucky enough to move on. Far more do not. No one should ever be subjected to a hostile work environment.

Add Your Voice

Continue reading →

Protect Foreign Workers by bringing American Corporations back home

Posted on by
Reply

“These Jobs Aren’t Coming Home”

Last year President Obama met with Steve Jobs and other major leaders in the Tech world and asked what it would take to bring their factories home and hire American workers.   Steve Jobs answer was clear:  “these jobs aren’t coming home.” [NY Times 1/22/2012]

“…The president’s question touched upon a central conviction at Apple. It isn’t just that workers are cheaper abroad. Rather, Apple’s executives believe the vast scale of overseas factories as well as the flexibility, diligence and industrial skills of foreign workers have so outpaced their American counterparts that “Made in the U.S.A.” is no longer a viable option for most Apple products…” Continue reading →

Vermont Senate Makes Smart Move Toward Workplace Bullying Legislation

Posted on by
4

For years advocates have been trying to pass workplace bullying legislation in Vermont.  Last year, SB.52 started as yet another attempt to re-introduce the Healthy Workplace Bill (aka Abusive Work Environment Act). But, this time something happened.  Instead of dying in committee, the language was completely struck and totally rewritten to ensure that lawmakers look into all possible approaches before adopting legislation that will impact both employers and employees throughout the state.  (After all, isn’t that what our elected officials are supposed to do?) The Senate wants a task force created to determine the best way to provide relief and redress for state residents suffering in abusive work environments. The new version of SB.52 became very active and passed the Senate.  If it makes it out of the general committee and is passed through to the Governor’s desk, the task force’s findings could create a landmark moment for those of us who would like to see bullying legislation become a reality. Continue reading →