The Emotionally Abusive Workplace

Abstract Workplace violence, in its many forms, constitutes a form of abuse that affects the mental health of victims by creating stress that ultimately becomes overwhelming. One of the most difficult and debilitating aspects of workplace abuse is that the victim is often seen as the problem and may take responsibility for the abuse. This paper examines two forms of workplace abuse, “bullying” and “mobbing,” and offers suggestions for recognizing these forms of abuse. The paper concludes that organizations must have in place processes and procedures to address workplace abuse not only to protect its workers but also because it is in their financial self-interest to do so.