Adult Bullying has been written as the result of community anti-bullying projects in which distressingly large numbers of adults came forward for help, both as victims and as bullies. Peter Randall provides a detailed consideration of the nature and range of bullying, located within instrumental and affective agression. He describes the learning processes and the family backgrounds that give rise to bullies and victims, both as children and later as adults. The pervasive nature of these patterns shows that personal harrassment becomes a way of life, leading to a significant influence within the workplace and the community.
Detailed case histories are used as illustrations throughout the text, providing evidence of the importance of bullying for those in business. Both non-specific bullying and the particular form known as sexual harrassment are shown to be common and, because some managers frequently use bullying tactics as part of their management style, sometimes difficult to trace. A detailed example of a personal harassment policy that works is provided, along with descriptions of the information needed to be given to managers and staff, including selection procedures, staff training and employee assistance programmes.
Adult Bullying will be a valuable resource for managers, counsellors, social workers and anyone who has experienced bullying whether as victim or perpetrator.