Workplace bullying and its impact on quality of work life

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace bullying is an unpleasant experience that could have adverse consequences. It includes behavior aimed at attacking the lives of individuals related to work, and is usually characterized by giving unreasonable work deadlines, reducing or eliminating responsibilities, and excessive supervision of work. The organization also suffer from the destructive effects of bullying. Team members become uncomfortable, stressed, unfocused, and do not even have a good commitment. It affects the organization’s performance, leads to mental and emotional damage, and reduces the quality of work life. Objectives: This study aims to examine the consequences of workplace bullying and discover the determinants of the quality of work life in relation to bullying. Methods: This study involved 178 public service employees at the local government in Medan, Indonesia. Data was collected using the QWL scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R). A quantitative research design was implemented, and the derived data were analyzed using stepwise regression. Results: Personal bullying negatively and significantly correlated with QWL (β = –0.245, p < 0.01). Work-related bullying significantly correlated with QWL (β = –0.210, p < 0.05), and physical intimidation significantly correlated with QWL (β = –0.285, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The study showed that the employer is responsible for identifying and managing the risks of bullying at work. The employer should implement clear policies concerning bullying, raise awareness of related issues among the workforce, and set standards for workplace behavior.