Silvia Punzi | PubMed Health

PubMedDate not supplied

[Dysfunctional workplace organization and mobbing. 4 representative cases].

BACKGROUND: Stress and psychological harassment at work are increasing worldwide, according to International Agencies (European Community, NIOSH) and to most authors. OBJECTIVES: To describe typical working situations responsible for distress and mobbing, with the aim of early diagnosis and effectiveness of therapy and rehabilitation. METHODS: Four cases are reported as representative of dysfunctional organization producing distress and pathology or inducing mobbing behavior or mobbing without clear organization responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases dysfunctional organization appeared to have played a significant role even though not always a direct one. Also, common characteristics were highlighted in the three cases where mobbing was recognized.

Adjustment Disorders↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Gender differences in workplace bullying].

BACKGROUND: Despite the attention that international Agencies give to the gender issue in situations of workplace bullying, few investigations have been performed on this topic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is describe the gender differences in victims of workplace bullying observed in an Italian survey. METHODS: A total of 243 subjects (124 males and 119 females) were examined at the Centre for Occupational Stress and Harassment of the "Clinica del Lavoro Luigi Devoto" (University of Milan and IRCCS Foundation); they were selected among patients who met the criteria for being considered victims of negative actions at work leading to workplace bullying. Data regarding the person, workplace and the workplace bullying situation were collected by means of an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: Analysis of the data, compared with those of IS-TAT 2002, showed a higher prevalence of females subjected to negative actions at work. In women, the risk of being subjected to negative actions leading to workplace bullying was shown to increase in the 34-44 age range and to decrease in higher age ranges; in men the risk remained elevated also after 55 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: In general, women were victims of negative actions regarding personal values related to emotional-relational factors, while men were attacked on their work performance. Sexual harassment, may mark the onset of other types of psychological harassment or can be one of its components.

Adult↗