Abuse of power in the workplace seems to becoming a cause for great concern. Therefore, the time has come for the abuse of power in the workplace to be given serious attention at the national level, and be condemned in the same manner as gun crime and domestic abuse.
Many employees are crying out for help. They are complaining that they are victims of abuse in the workplace. Therefore, we can no longer stick our heads like ostriches in the sand, and pretend that abuse of power in the workplace does not exist. If this problem continues to be left unchecked, it will no doubt create havoc like so many of the problems that are now plaguing our society and island today. Hence, understanding the different definitions, types, effects, consequences and warnings of such abuse, and taking serious action against it, can help to eradicate that scourge from the workplace.
The dictionary defines abuse of power as, “The act of using one’s position of power in an abusive way”. The aim of such behaviour is to make the individual dependent on the harasser and keep him or her under that person’s control. The actions of the harasser are deliberate; in other words he or she is aware that such behavior will damage the individual.
Workplace abuse is similar to domestic abuse except it occurs at work between Managers, Supervisors, Heads of Departments and employees. Workplace abuse may be subtle (verbal abuse during one-on-one meetings) or overt, such as name-calling, making jokes about the individual or yelling at the person in front of other employees. Despite there being warning signs, sometimes abuse in the workplace is ignored because it is not affecting everyone. Unfortunately, ignoring the abuse can have serious ramifications not only for the victims, but for the institution or organization on a whole. Any negative action that prevents someone from fulfilling his or her duties in the workplace is considered abuse.
There are many forms of abusive authority in the workplace namely:
? inappropriate criticism
? false blame
? assigning unreasonable duties or workload which are unfavourable to one person (in a way that creates unnecessary pressure)
? underwork – creating a feeling of uselessness
? unwarranted (or undeserved) punishment
? blocking applications for training, leave or promotion
? removing areas of responsibilities without cause
? intentional humiliation in front of others
? undermining the employee’s ability to retain dignity on the job
? being treated differently from others
? being the target of foul language
? being left out of communication intentionally
? constant needless monitoring in order to keep a person on edge
? ignoring employee rights
? use of verbal or physical forms of threat
? excessive control over employees
Abuse of authority is the unfair use of one’s power to interfere with an employee’s work and performance. There should be laws in place to protect employees from workplace abuse. Knowing what to watch for could help you protect yourself and others from abuse in the workplace. Here are some things you can do in order to spot abuse in the workplace:
1. OBSERVE THE WORKPLACE. Look deep for rumors, criticism and lies going around about specific people. Do not get involved in these discussions but pay attention. Look for individuals who seem agitated or anxious at work. Listen to what people within the workplace are saying. If requests for transfers are being declined or if people are constantly leaving the company or institution, these may be signs that abuse is going on in the workplace.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CO-WORKERS. Anyone who is ridiculed or humiliated in front of the staff is suffering from workplace abuse. Those who are lied about or negatively talked about among co-workers are victims. These individuals often seem on guard at all times, take frequent sick days and vacations (to recover from abuse) and are overloaded with work but offered little to no assistance. Unfortunately, sometimes the victims seem anxious to please the abuser. Performance at work may decline, and they may seem unable to focus.
3. LOOK FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT. Someone in the company/organization making sexual references or out-of-line comments to someone is actively participating in workplace abuse. Even if no one is touched in a sexual manner, sexual comments are still considered sexual harassment and workplace abuse.
4. EXAMINE THE ABUSER. If you notice that someone seems to be picking on certain individuals, pay attention to him or her. Abusers will try to make it seem as though the victim is to blame or that he or she is causing problems. Abusers in the workplace may try to turn co-workers on the individual. Dominance is shown over the victim, and the abuser expects the victim to obey him or her without objection. Threats are made (to alter company/organization systems to sabotage employee’s career or false reports of incompetence), the individual is insulted or humiliated, and co-workers are treated like servants or children.
If workplace abuse is suspected, do not keep quiet. Speak out about it. You have the right to be treated with dignity. All employees have the right to work in an environment free of retaliation, threats, abuse and intimidation. All charges of abuse or discrimination should be taken seriously. It is time to break the silence!
Remember: The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765
