Better management can reduce bullying in academia: podcast

Very interesting research. For too long Universities have ignored the structural basis of poor workplace cultures and bullying. It makes a lot of sense that this happens because structures support or even encourage it. Its easier to ignore it or, if its acknowledged, blame individuals. In high pressure, high achievement environments with little or no job security, like research or casual teaching, and management with significant and often unchecked power to decide on employment contracts and conditions, it seems inevitable that actual or perceived bias, favouritism, and misunderstandings with terrible consequences will occur. Bullying is a pattern of behaviour that unfairly disadvantages or distresses a staff member…. it doesn’t necessarily involve insults, abuse etc.