Workplace Bullying and Terrorism

Terrorism is not something you would associate withthey know that so long as they provide significant
today's workplaces, but it is a reality that victimsinformation about the target to the 'handler,'
face on an almost daily basis, resulting in psychologicalprotection is guaranteed.
trauma. It is a metaphor that can be used toThey always act outside employment and natural
describe workplace bullying as a life-threateninglaw, violate human rights, infringe international law,
experience. Victims are 'set up' for relentless attackand still hope to get away with it. Often these
by bullies, with a view to their total destruction.workplace terrorists are results-driven, and are
Compassion is not at all in evidence in this torturousrewarded with bonuses or promotion for their
process. Clandestine meetings are held to discuss theservices to the firm, while the poor hapless victim is
strategy by which to inflict maximum damage on theeither sacked or leaves to get alternative
target and to remove him/her without the attackersemployment.
being suspected. The target is in the 'sights' of theseYou may be experiencing this kind of anti-social
schemers, and is to be destroyed.behaviour at work, or know someone who is, but do
These workplace terrorists have their own activenot know how to deal with it. Workplace bullying is
service units to provide the necessary back-up andnot uncommon in many workplaces, and because of
support, usually work from the shadows, study howits nature, may be difficult to detect and prove
not to be detected, and launch their deathly attackswithout very good evidence. However, it is not
on the (often) unsuspecting victim. These "eyes andimpossible to do, and with the right information, a
ears" are a protected species, being in league withpathway may be followed that will lead to the light at
the workplace bullies who can protect them. Indeed,the end of the tunnel.