Final answer:
A workplace bully may act out due to feelings of incompetence, not because of superior ability or the need to demonstrate control. Bullying can have devastating effects on victims and bystanders, affecting mental health and job performance. Addressing bullying with management is crucial due to its influential role in an employee's career satisfaction and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person who acts as a bully in the workplace is often that way because of his or her feeling of incompetence. Although there isn't one single personality profile for bullies, research has shown certain patterns. For instance, Greenberg & Barling found that aggression against a supervisor was predicted if a worker felt unfairly treated or untrusted. Additionally, a history of aggression and alcohol consumption were found to be predictors of workplace violence. Bullying involves an imbalance of power and can have significant negative consequences not only for the victim but also for witnesses or bystanders. It can result in decreased mental health, anxiety, depression, and underperformance in work among victims, and it can negatively affect bystanders as well. Moreover, the harasser could be a supervisor or a co-worker, impacting the work environment and the victim's sense of safety.
It's important for those experiencing bullying to involve their immediate supervisor and address the issue before it escalates. This is crucial because the manager plays a significant role in an employee's career and growth satisfaction, including their mental health. Thus, maintaining a healthy relationship with management is essential for managing such situations effectively.