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Bullying in the workplace is a serious problem that can lead
to negative consequences for both employees and the organization. In the
case of a recently hired college principal who discovers that toxic
behaviors have become a widespread element of organizational culture, it is
essential to take action to prevent and alleviate the issue. The principal
needs to develop a comprehensive plan of action that includes effective
prevention measures and strategies of intervention. The plan must focus on
introducing necessary measures and interventions to address the problem
without putting all responsibility on the victims.
The proposed problem-solving plan consists of three steps of anti-bullying
interventions, including primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions.
Primary interventions aim to reduce the risk of future bullying cases by
redesigning the work environment. Secondary interventions are directed at
perpetrators, while tertiary interventions help reduce and heal the damage
done to the victims. The goal is to create a complex and all-rounded system
of interventions.
Primary interventions include the best practices of bullying prevention,
such as awareness-raising training, a clear code of ethical conduct, and a
non-passive anti-bullying stance by the principal. These interventions aim
to establish a bullying-free environment in the future.
Secondary interventions are vital for dealing with already manifesting
cases. Fact finding, prompt action, and disciplinarian measures are the most
important types of secondary interventions. The principal needs to
investigate each suspected case and determine the level of bullying and
possible actions towards the perpetrator. The confirmed cases of bullying
should be stopped immediately, and the perpetrator should face
disciplinarian actions, varying from informal reconciliation with the victim
to a formal reprimand, pay cut, and even dismissal in the most severe cases.
Finally, tertiary interventions assist victims of bullying. In the most
extreme cases, the victims should be provided with therapy to heal the
mental damage done by protracted bullying. A combination of primary,
secondary, and tertiary interventions would curb existing bullying issues,
help the victims, and prevent unethical behaviors from happening in the
future.
In conclusion, workplace bullying can have a significant impact on employees
and the organization. A comprehensive plan of action that includes effective
prevention measures and strategies of intervention is necessary to address
the problem. Primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions can create a
bullying-free workplace, reduce the impact of existing issues, and help
those affected by bullying. As such, it is essential to introduce the
necessary measures and interventions to address the problem without putting
all responsibility on the victims. With a comprehensive plan of action, it
is possible to create a positive and healthy workplace culture for all
employees. |
