Workplace bullying among employees of a public higher education institution

Jorel A Manalo; Carl Abelardo T Antonio; Jonathan P Guevarra; Kim L Cochon; Richard S Javier; Arlene A Samaniego; Ma Rhenea Anne M Cengca; Dorothy Jean N Ortega

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Workplace bullying among employees of a public higher education institution

Author: Jorel A. Manalo ¹ ; Carl Abelardo T. Antonio ^{2
,

3} ; Jonathan P. Guevarra ⁴ ; Kim L. Cochon ⁵ ; Richard S. Javier ^{1
,

2} ; Arlene A. Samaniego ⁶ ; Ma. Rhenea Anne M. Cengca ⁷ ; Dorothy Jean N. Ortega ⁷
Author Information

1. Human Resource Development Office, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
2. Department of Health Policy and Administration College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
3. Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
4. Department of Health Promotion and Education College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
5. JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
6. Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
7. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc., Quezon City, Philippines
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Occupational Stress; Universities; Occupational Stress; Philippines
From: Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2022;26(College of Public Health Issue):30-39
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: Background:Workplace bullying is defined as frequent, ongoing, and detrimental incidence of unreasonable acts/behaviors directed towards an individual. The consequences of bullying to individuals often lead to absenteeism, resignation, job dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation making it a major public health concern. This organizational issue, when not addressed, will greatly affect the workflow in any organization. There is a paucity of literature on this problem in the Southeast Asian countries
Objective:This study aimed to describe the extent of workplace bullying among employees of a public higher education institution.
Methodology:The researchers used a descriptive, cross-sectional study design. Survey questionnaires in Google Form were emailed to all employees with a 35.96% participation rate. The survey instrument asked participants to indicate their awareness about any bullying behavior in their unit and to specify the typical profile of bullies and victims they know of. Responses to quantitative variables were summarized using the mean and standard deviation, while qualitative variables were reported as frequency and percentage distribution. The software used for analysis were Microsoft Excel and EpiInfo 7.
Results:At least one-third (36.94%) of survey respondents indicated that they witnessed a form of bullying in the workplace with more awareness seen among faculty members and permanent employees. The most common type of bullying observed in the workplace was criticism in public. Notably, this type of bullying was similar across employee categories. The predominant reactions of victims of bullying include feeling of fear and loss of trust, and confiding to a friend or co-worker.
Conclusion:The phenomenon of bullying has been witnessed by the employees and reported to have adverse effects on victims. Informational campaigns coupled with anti-bullying policy and programs are necessary to promote employee well-being.
Full text:507-1272-2-PB.pdf