HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS’ PERCEPTION OF WORKPLACE BULLYING IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This paper explores how human resource professionals understand bullying and the perceptions and beliefs about the concept. A proper and comprehensive understanding of the concept is the backbone of any preventive measures concerning bullying introduced in companies. We conducted in-depth, in-person interviews with 30 human resource professionals using qualitative research methodology representing diverse industries. The findings indicated that the participants were not adequately aware of what bullying is. They tend to confuse bullying with other negative workplace behaviours such as aggression, incivility and sexual harassment. The participants also commonly did not understand who could be bullies and who could be victims. This lack of understanding of bullying and the many misperceptions that carry will inevitably result in ineffective prevention and handling of bullying in their organisations. The implications of these findings for management are discussed.