Perceptions of and reactions to workplace bullying: A social exchange perspective

• Published in: Human relations (New York) 2010-06, Vol.63 (6), p.761-780
• Main Authors: Parzefall, Marjo-Riitta, Salin, Denise M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggression; Bullying; Bystanders; Concepts; Contracts; Exchange Theory; Harassment; Human relations; Justice; Organization Theory; Organizational behaviour; Organizational culture; Organizational support; Psychological Theories; Social exchange; Social exchange theory; Social Justice; Sociology; Sociology of work; Sociology of work and sociology of organizations; Work environment; Work organization. Working relations; Working conditions; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0018-7267; 1741-282X
• DOI: 10.1177/0018726709345043

The aim of this article is to introduce a social exchange perspective to the study of workplace bullying. Much of the existing research on bullying has had a strong empirical focus, leaving the concept relatively under-theoretized. By applying the social exchange theory based concepts of justice, psychological contract breach, and perceived organizational support, we aim to shed light on a number of aspects of bullying that to date have remained poorly understood. First, drawing on the concepts of justice and contract breach, we highlight the perceptual and subjective element in workplace bullying. Second, the concepts of justice and contract breach allow us to provide insights into how bullying is experienced and the mechanisms through which bullying leads to negative outcomes for both targets and bystanders. Third, the concept of perceived organizational support highlights the importance of appropriate and timely responses to workplace bullying. Finally, we discuss implications for both research and practice.