Mobbing as a Process

PHASE 1 is characterized by a critical incident, a conflict. In itself, this is not yet mobbing. It can, however develop into mobbing behaviors.

PHASE 2 is characterized by aggressive acts and psychological assaults that set the mobbing dynamics into motion.

PHASE 3 then involves management that plays a part in the negative cycle by misjudging the situation if they have not already been participating in PHASE 2. Instead of extending support, they begin the isolation and expulsion process.

PHASE 4 is critical, as victims are now branded as difficult or mentally ill. This misjudgment by management and health professionals reinforces the negative cycle. It almost always will lead to expulsion or forced resignation.

PHASE 5 is the expulsion. The trauma of this event can, additionally, trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After the expulsion, the emotional distress and the ensuing psychosomatic illnesses continue and often intensify.

SUMMARY

1. CONFLICT
2. AGGRESSIVE ACTS
3. MANAGEMENT INVOLVEMENT
4. BRANDING AS DIFFICULT OR MENTALLY ILL
5. EXPULSION


Quoted from:

MOBBING: Emotional Abuse in the American Workplace p.38

Looking back, I think that the Bird Calling Behavior that I wrote about under CHICKENS AND PAJAROS was the critical incident described in PHASE 1. If it had been handled correctly, it need not have developed into mobbing behavior. However, deans, counselors, and administrators chose to ignore it while it got worse and developed into PHASE 2, full blown mobbing. Instead of extending support, the administration then pushed the process to PHASE 3 by disciplining me instead of the bullies.