Workplace Mobbing: Experiences in Public Sector

This paper discusses the counterproductive behaviour of 'workplace mobbing' wheregossip, rumour, innuendo, and malicious accusations are reported to unfairly target anddiscredit targeted workers. The discussion is based on an Australian study of reports from public sector employees who self identified as targets of workplace mobbing. Thebehaviours are typically covert and are sometimes instigated and perpetuated by management. In focusing on three themes that emerged from the interview study, the paper discusses the sometimes toxic nature of public sector culture, mobbing behaviours and workplace expulsion. It also discusses some recommended regulatory and organizational responses that could potentially reduce the occurrence of such behaviours.