Mobbing is the systematic and intentional psychological harassment of an individual. This harassment can occur in the workplace or academic environments and can negatively affect the psychological, emotional, and even physical health of the targeted person. Mobbing typically manifests through behaviors such as constant criticism, belittling, exclusion, mocking, increasing workload, or devaluing one’s tasks. The perpetrator(s) aim to systematically wear down the target, compelling them to leave their job or give up on their academic pursuits.
In the workplace, mobbing often occurs within a hierarchical relationship, where superiors harass subordinates, or less commonly, subordinates harass superiors. This typically involves persistent criticism of a specific employee, devaluing their work, socially isolating them, or spreading rumors about them. Additionally, creating constant doubt about the person’s competencies, restricting access to important information, or overloading them with work that diminishes their performance are also forms of mobbing. Such behaviors can severely damage the professional reputation and self-confidence of the targeted individual.
In academia, mobbing refers to systematic psychological harassment directed at students, researchers, or academic staff. This harassment can stem from power imbalances between academic ranks and positions and aims to hinder the academic success of the target. For example, a professor persistently criticizing a doctoral student, belittling their research, or obstructing their publications are instances of academic mobbing. Moreover, ignoring academic achievements, restricting access to research resources, or excluding individuals from projects are also considered forms of academic mobbing.
To understand mobbing, it is crucial to observe repeatedly and systematically applied negative behaviors. Victims of mobbing often exhibit symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. To manage this situation, it is essential to document the incidents and report them to a higher authority or human resources. Seeking professional support, such as consulting a psychologist or counselor, can also be beneficial. Establishing anti-mobbing policies in workplaces or academic institutions and adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards such behaviors are critical measures for preventing mobbing.
