Key differences between mobbing, bullying and bossing: complete guide - workplace harassment

In the complex world of interpersonal relationships, especially in work and school settings, it is crucial to understand and differentiate the various forms of harassment. Mobbing, Bullying and Bossing are terms that are often used interchangeably, but each describes a specific dynamic of abusive behavior with devastating consequences for the victim.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed analysis of these three forms of harassment, their distinguishing characteristics, their effects and, most importantly, strategies to prevent and combat them effectively.

What is Mobbing? Systematic Psychological Harassment in the Workplace

Mobbing, also known as workplace harassment or psychological harassment, is defined as a series of negative and hostile actions directed at an employee by one or more colleagues or hierarchical superiors. These actions are systematic, repetitive and prolonged over time, with the aim of emotionally destabilizing the victim and, ultimately, forcing their exit from the organization. Mobbing is not limited to a simple workplace conflict; it is a deliberate campaign of discredit and humiliation.

Key Characteristics of Mobbing:

• Repetition: Acts of harassment are repeated frequently.
• Duration: The harassment is prolonged over a significant period of time (usually more than six months).
• Intentionality: There is a clear intent to harm and humiliate the victim.
• Power Asymmetry: Often, there is an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and the victim.
• Isolation: The aim is to isolate the victim from colleagues and superiors.

Common Examples of Mobbing:

• Constantly criticizing the victim's work, even when it is of high quality.
• Spreading rumors and gossip about the victim.
• Assigning humiliating or meaningless tasks.
• Excluding the victim from important meetings and events.
• Threatening or intimidating the victim.

Understanding Bullying: School Bullying and Its Consequences

Bullying, or school bullying, refers to aggressive and intentional behavior that occurs among students. Unlike mobbing, bullying generally takes place in the school context, including classrooms, playgrounds, and even online through cyberbullying. Bullying can manifest in various forms, from physical and verbal assaults to social exclusion and rumor spreading.

Types of Bullying:

• Physical: Hitting, pushing, theft, or damage to the victim's property.
• Verbal: Insults, taunting, offensive nicknames and threats.
• Social: Deliberate exclusion, spreading rumors, and manipulation of social relationships.
• Cyberbullying: Harassment via the internet, social media and text messages.

Factors that Contribute to Bullying:

• Lack of supervision and control in the school environment.
• A school culture that tolerates aggression and intimidation.
• Family and social problems that affect the aggressors' behavior.
• Low self-esteem and lack of social skills in the victims.

Consequences of Bullying:

• Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
• Academic difficulties and school dropout.
• Social isolation and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
• In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.

Bossing: The Abuse of Hierarchical Power

Bossing, although less known than mobbing and bullying, refers to the abuse of power by a hierarchical superior over a subordinate. It differs from mobbing in that the source of the harassment is specifically the authority of the boss or supervisor, who uses their position to intimidate, humiliate and control the employee. Bossing can manifest through contradictory orders, unjustified criticism, assignment of impossible tasks and discriminatory treatment.

Characteristics of Bossing:

• Abuse of Authority: The superior uses their position of power to harass the subordinate.
• Contradictory Orders: Orders are given that are impossible to fulfill or that contradict each other.
• Unjustified Criticism: The employee's work is constantly criticized, even when it is satisfactory.
• Discrimination: The employee is treated differently and unfavorably compared to their colleagues.
• Intimidation: Fear and intimidation are used to control the employee.

Effects of Bossing:

• Stress and anxiety.
• Decreased productivity and job performance.
• Loss of motivation and self-esteem.
• Physical and mental health problems.
• Ultimately, resignation or dismissal.

Comparison Table: Mobbing vs. Bullying vs. Bossing

To better understand the differences between these three types of harassment, let's look at a comparison table:

Prevention and Combating of Mobbing, Bullying and Bossing: Key Strategies

Preventing and combating these forms of harassment requires a comprehensive approach that involves all members of the community, whether workplace or school. Here are some key strategies:

Prevention Strategies:

• Promote a culture of respect and tolerance: Encourage empathy, open communication and mutual respect.
• Implement clear anti-harassment policies: Establish clear rules and procedures to prevent and address harassment.
• Provide training and awareness: Educate employees and students about the different types of harassment and how to identify them.
• Encourage reporting: Create a safe environment where victims feel comfortable reporting harassment without fear of retaliation.
• Supervision and monitoring: Actively supervise workplace and school environments to detect and prevent harassment.

Response Strategies:

• Early intervention: Address harassment incidents as soon as possible to prevent escalation.
• Thorough investigation: Investigate harassment complaints thoroughly to determine the facts and take appropriate measures.
• Sanctions for perpetrators: Apply sanctions proportional to the severity of the harassment, which may include warnings, suspensions or dismissals.
• Support for victims: Provide emotional, psychological and legal support to victims of harassment.
• Mediation: In some cases, mediation can be a useful tool to resolve conflicts and improve relationships between the parties.