The content and development of mobbing at work

TLDR

Mobbing refers to harassing or psychologically terrorizing colleagues at work, a phenomenon known for centuries but only systematically studied since the early 1980s. The article introduces the concept of mobbing. The authors present a case example, historical context, and definition, then outline stages of mobbing development from about 800 case studies and report epidemiological findings from a Swedish work population sample. The study discusses causes and consequences of mobbing and offers conclusions for prevention and intervention.

Abstract

Abstract In this article the concept of mobbing is introduced. Mobbing means harassing, ganging up on someone, or psychologically terrorizing others at work. Although mobbing is a very old phenomenon, it was not described and systematically researched until the early 1980s. The article begins with a case example, some historical notes, and a definition of mobbing, and then regards mobbing in the context of medical and psychological stress research. Several stages in the development of mobbing are described, based on about 800 case studies. Some epidemiological findings from a representative sample of the Swedish work population are reported. Causes and consequences of mobbing are discussed, and conclusions for prevention and intervention are drawn.