July 2001 Volume 82 Number 7
"serving the protectors"
| July 2001 Volume 82 Number 7 "serving the protectors" |
|
|
|
|
| By Mark Carroll, PASA Assistant Secretary |
The Police Association is concerned that this form of harassment is becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace. Association staff continue to receive a number of enquiries about this issue, however, most members seem reluctant to exercise their rights.
Bullying is one of the various forms of harassment that can exist in a workplace. It is a form of discrimination. Bullying includes behaviours where one person uses his or her position, rank or power to exert unreasonable control over someone else. It may also be called interpersonal harassment.
Bullying behaviours include:
- Constant criticism.
- Isolation.
- Spreading rumours.
- Withholding information.
- Favouritism.
- Setting impossible tasks.
- Threats.
- Shouting.
- Blaming.
- Humiliation.
- Abuse.
Bullying does not include discussion, debate, or constructive criticism about issues pertaining to work.
Bullying distracts people from their work and leads to low morale and unmotivated workplaces. The costs include high staff turnover and absenteeism.
Bullying creates negative feelings about oneself, the bully and the workplace or group in general. A person’s feelings of self-worth are compromised and there are short and long-term psychological and physical responses.
It is an occupational health and safety issue and should be addressed to ensure a safe work environment.
If you are bullied in the workplace, you may consider doing the following:
- Confront the perpetrator if possible. Identify to them the behaviour you find offensive and tell them to stop.
- Document the behaviours and your attempts to stop it.
- Discuss it with colleagues, and, if they are having similar concerns, make a joint approach to the bully or management.
- If the behaviour continues, advise your line supervisor or a senior officer/manager. You may also contact SAPOL’s Equity Officer, local Equity Contact Officer, Employee Assistance Section, PASA delegate or the Police Association. Familiarise yourself with the SAPOL equity and diversity policy and procedures relative to making a complaint.
- Lodge a grievance in line with SAPOL policy and procedures.
- If there are health effects, consult your general practitioner for medical advice or support.
Bullying isn’t new and isn’t confined to just SAPOL. However, this is the twenty-first century. You don’t have to put up with it or suffer from it. Whether you are of ordinary rank or in a supervisory or managerial position, it is worthy to reflect on your own behaviour and interaction with the people you work with. Are you a bully?
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |