Research on upward bullying towards senior employees is relatively limited compared to studies focusing on more traditional forms of bullying, such as horizontal or downward bullying. So, what is upward bullying?
Upwards bullying, also known as vertical or hierarchical bullying, refers to instances where employees within an organization target individuals in positions of authority, such as managers, supervisors, or executives, with abusive or aggressive behavior. Unlike more traditional forms of bullying, which typically involve individuals in positions of authority exerting power over their subordinates, upwards bullying involves subordinates or peers exerting power over their superiors.
The elderly can become targets of upward bullying due to several factors, including perceived vulnerabilities and stereotypes associated with age. In some workplaces, ageism may contribute to a lack of respect or recognition of the valuable experience and expertise that older employees bring to the table. Additionally, older individuals may be seen as less adaptable to change or less technologically savvy, which could lead to dismissive attitudes or exclusion from certain opportunities or decision-making processes.
Furthermore, power dynamics within organizations may shift as younger employees ascend into positions of authority, leading to instances where older individuals are targeted for assertiveness or resistance to change. These factors, combined with societal biases and workplace cultures that prioritize youth and innovation, can make the elderly more susceptible to upward bullying in the workplace.
Have you ever witnessed acts of upward bullying in your career?
Larry L. Williams, Ph.D, CBCP
Research on Upward Bullying
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440221085008
