What is Mobbing?

What is Mobbing?

- 'Mobbing is a term referring to a type of animal behaviour. A newer use refers to a group behavioural phenomenon in workplaces.' - Wikipedia

- "In the sixties, the eminent Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz used the English term mobbing to describe the behaviour that animals use to scare away a stronger, preying enemy. A number of weaker individuals crowd together and display attacking behavior, such as geese scaring away a fox." - 'Mobbing, Emotional Abuse in the American Workplace', 2005.

- 'Workplace mobbing is a 'virus' or a 'cancer' that spreads through malicious gossip, rumour, hearsay,and unfounded accusations. It is done with deliberate intent to have those targeted 'eliminated' or 'forced out' of their employment. Accusations of unsubstantiated 'bullying' can even be made against the target as the perpetrators realise the benefits of claiming 'victim' status. '

Those targeted are most likely to be:
· Change agents
· High achievers
· Enthusiastic (eg those who volunteer)
· Those with integrity
· Those with ethical standards
· Known for their commitment to human rights, dignity and respect
- Workplace Mobbing Australia

- 'Psychological terror or mobbing in working life involves hostile and unethical communication which is directed in a systematic manner by one or more individuals, mainly toward one individual, who, due to mobbing, is pushed into a helpless and defenseless position and held there by means of continuing mobbing activities. These actions occur on a very frequent basis (statistical definition: at least once a week) and over a long period of time (statistical definition: at least six months´ duration). Because of the high frequency and long duration of hostile behavior, this maltreatment results in considerable mental, psychosomatic and social misery.' - Heinz Leymann http://www.leymann.se/