Bullying is widespread in IT companies, where more than
three out of 10 managers have been bullied during the last three
years, research has revealed.
But the study, by the Chartered Management Institute, found IT
firms compared well with the rest of the private and public
sectors, where nearly four out of 10 managers (39%) reported
bullying.
Some 6% of IT managers admitted behaving in a bullying way, while
four in 10 of those bullied said no action had been taken by their
employer, according to the study, published in association with
trade union Unison and conciliation service Acas.
The most frequent type of bullying in the IT sector is people being
undermined by criticism or being overloaded with work (78%)
followed by verbal insults, unfair treatment and misuse of power or
position (all 72%).
Mike Petrook, of the Chartered Management Institute, said:"IT seems
to be one of the leading sectors in getting a handle on this issue.
It looks stronger than some others in terms of creating policies on
bullying, which is essential."
Physical intimidation was reported by less than one-fifth of
managers in IT firms - but by more than a quarter in all
sectors.
Lack of management skills was cited as the top reason for bullying
in the IT workplace - by 75% of those surveyed. Personality factors
were mentioned by 69% and failure to address previous incidents of
bullying by 55%.
Bully or bullied?
The survey revealed that middle managers experience more
bullying than other levels of management, with nearly half having
suffered -a finding reflected in the IT sector. The study suggests
they are victims of "management squeeze", coming under pressure
from above and below. But while the general survey showed 30% of
managers were bullied by more junior staff, the picture in the IT
industry is different, with just 16% citing junior staff as
bullies.