Editorial: Bullying and harassment at workplace: Are we aware?

An unprofessional and unwanted behaviour that affects the dignity of people at the workplace is unacceptable. This serious and unprofessional behaviour which may be related to sex, age, religion, race, disability, ethnic origin, cast and creed or any personal characteristic is called Bullying. It is not easy to define. There has been no one single definition as it takes different forms and appears in a variety of situations. It can be defined as persistent behaviour against an individual that is intimidating, degrading, offensive or malicious and undermines the confidence and self-esteem of the recipient. It aims to frighten or hurt another person through offhand remarks and microaggressions, insults, rumours, threats, humiliation, defamation, and even physical attacks. A person uses his power in unjustifiable manner over a vulnerable colleague or an employee is called a bully, which has been considered a swearing word in the professional circuits.