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Workplace bullying: Propositions from Heider’s balance theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 December 2014

Peter Standen ,
Megan Paull  and
Maryam Omari
Peter Standen
Affiliation:
School of Business, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
Megan Paull*
Affiliation:
School of Management and Governance, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
Maryam Omari
Affiliation:
School of Business, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
*
Corresponding author: m.paull@murdoch.edu.au
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Abstract

Individuals who allege bullying bring their own version of events to any investigation, and regardless of the allegations made, there is always more than one account of what took place. Perception influences the interpretations placed on our actions and that of others, especially in terms of whether these constitute bullying in the context in which they are observed. Since investigators, and researchers, are heavily reliant on self-reports, it is important to understand how subjectivities affect individual interpretation and responses. Based on Heider’s Balance Theory, this conceptual article presents a series of propositions relating to subjective factors in perceiving an act as bullying. Research which explores these factors will facilitate better understanding of allegations of bullying. Potential implications for research, awareness raising, education and training, investigation and interpretation of allegations of workplace bullying are advanced.

Keywords

workplace bullyingbalance theoryperceptual and interpretative processes
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 20 , Issue 6 , November 2014 , pp. 733 - 748
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2014 

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