Lesson 6.6

Bullying, Intimidation, Insults & Threats

Estimated time: 8 minutes

Not every disagreement is bullying.

Not every firm instruction is intimidation.

But workplaces should recognize when behavior moves beyond ordinary conflict.

Examples of concerning behavior can include:

repeated humiliation
insulting or degrading language
deliberate intimidation
threatening someone’s job for improper reasons
threatening physical harm
isolating someone as punishment
repeatedly mocking someone
deliberately sabotaging someone’s work
using authority to frighten rather than manage
aggressive behavior intended to silence someone

International labour standards recognize violence and harassment in the world of work as conduct that can cause physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm. International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 is the first international treaty devoted specifically to violence and harassment in the world of work. Nigeria ratified it in November 2022.

Scenario

A senior employee tells a new staff member:

“If you report me, I will make sure you don’t last one month here.”

That is not ordinary feedback.

It is intimidation.

“It Was Just a Joke”

Humor does not automatically make harmful behavior acceptable.

Ask:

Is the person repeatedly targeted?
Is there a power imbalance?
Is the behavior humiliating or threatening?
Has the person asked for it to stop?
Would this be appropriate in a professional setting?

Important

TrueConduct training does not determine whether a particular situation meets a legal definition.

Legal definitions and procedures may vary.

But a workplace does not need to wait for behavior to become a court case before establishing respectful conduct standards.

More Workplace Examples

Firm management

A supervisor clearly states a realistic deadline and asks for an update on assigned work.

A respectful work instruction is not automatically intimidation.

BETTER RESPONSE

The employee may clarify the expectation or raise a genuine obstacle.

Disagreement

Two colleagues disagree about the best order for completing a task.

BETTER RESPONSE

Discussing different views respectfully

is ordinary disagreement, not automatically bullying.

Bullying or intimidation

A senior worker repeatedly mocks a new employee and excludes them from information needed for the job.

This is concerning targeted conduct, not useful correction.

BETTER RESPONSE

Record relevant facts and use the appropriate reporting process

legal definitions and procedures vary.

Threat of harm

A coworker says they will hurt an employee after work.

BETTER RESPONSE

Take the threat seriously and seek appropriate safety assistance through workplace procedures. An employee does not have to wait for repeated threats before raising a concern.

Remember

Authority should organize work—not create fear as a management method.