Citation

Lutgen-Sandvik P. Commun. Monogr. 2006; 73(4): 406-433.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03637750601024156

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adult bullying at work is an unbelievable and, at times, shattering experience, both for those targeted as well as for witnessing colleagues. This study examines the narratives of 30 workers, some of whom where targeted and all of whom saw others bullied. Their responses paint a complex picture of power in bullying situations that reframe the “power-deficient target” into agents who galvanize a variety of resources on their own or others’ behalf but also place them at considerable risk. In some cases, employees evaluate the abusive situation and quickly resign. Others protest but, if resistance fails to stop abuse, they also leave organizations. The paths of resistance, case outcomes, and dialectic nature of resistance and control are discussed.