Workplace Bullying as Experienced by Managers and How They Cope: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Managers

Background: The aim of the study was to describe factors that contribute to the occurrence of workplace bullying, that enable it to continue and the coping strategies managers use when they are bullied. Methods: A qualitative study design was applied. Twenty-two managers from the private and public sectors were interviewed. Data were analyzed by means of content analysis. Results: Several factors could be linked to the bullying: being new in the managerial position; lack of clarity about roles and expectations; taking over a work group with ongoing conflicts; reorganizations. The bullying usually lasted for quite some time. Factors that allowed the bullying to continue were passive bystanders and the bullies receiving support from higher management. The managers in this study adopted a variety of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. However, in the end most chose to leave the organization. Only four remained in their managerial position at the time of the interview. Conclusions: The study concludes that bullying can occur in all types of organization. To prevent it we need to look primarily at organizational factors. Social support is also crucial for managers’ ability to cope successfully with bullying.