Abstract
Purpose - Bullying is a persistent, damaging feature of neoliberal workplaces, despite the increased use of TPIs (Third-Party Interventions). This study investigates how TPIs relate to individualisation of the employment contract; whether TPIs deflect attention away from bullying; and the impact for targets.
Methodology - Data was gathered from focus groups and interviews with members and officials of three large UK trade unions.
Findings - TPIs individualise bullying allegations and such interventions are further characterised by impotence, injustice and lack of impartiality, serving to deflect bullying claims and exacerbate targets’ suffering.
Practical implications - Recommendations are made to improve the efficacy of interventions.
Originality/value - This paper increases the limited research into the efficacy of TPIs and makes a significant contribution to debates on neoliberal individualism.
Methodology - Data was gathered from focus groups and interviews with members and officials of three large UK trade unions.
Findings - TPIs individualise bullying allegations and such interventions are further characterised by impotence, injustice and lack of impartiality, serving to deflect bullying claims and exacerbate targets’ suffering.
Practical implications - Recommendations are made to improve the efficacy of interventions.
Originality/value - This paper increases the limited research into the efficacy of TPIs and makes a significant contribution to debates on neoliberal individualism.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 506-519 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Employee Relations |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 9 Dec 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2019 |
Keywords
- Workplace Bullying
- Intervention
- Mediation
- Counselling
- Peer Listeners
- Individualism
- Neoliberalism
- Human Resource Management
