Mediating Workplace Bullying

This paper will be exploring the nature and dynamics of workplace bullying with a view to identify important requirements for mediatory interventions to resolve bullying related issues within the workplace. In order to achieve this, an analysis of the characteristics of the workplace bully, the impact of the bullying behaviour on the victim and the organization, as well as the enabling organizational environment will be done. Possible mediatory interventions in this context will be explored in terms of the following dimensions: On a micro-level, requirements for constructive mediation between the bully and victim will be analysed. On meso-level, bullying awareness workshops and skills developing workshops to deal with workplace bullying will be explored. On macro level, management participation and policy related interventions will be analysed. Reference will be made to the South African situation.