Bullies Have Come a Long Way, Baby

According to a New York Times report, female employees have continued to come a long way, baby. Women not only comprise more than 50% of management, professional and related occupations, the number of female bullies is also on the rise. While male bullies target men and women equally, the female bully prefers her own kind. So, what’s going on?

The 50% statistic is a bit misleading, since only 15% of Fortune 500 officers and directors are women. Because there are few opportunities for women at the top, female bullying is growing. That’s one theory, anyway. Another is that the hoopla over female bullying is all about gender stereotyping. If a woman comes across as a nurturer (which women are supposed to be), she’s too soft. If she comes across as too aggressive, she’s too tough — perhaps a bully.

Bullying isn’t a gender-related problem, but it is a growing problem in the workplace. More than a third of employees are bullied. That’s one reason state legislatures have been considering some ill-advised anti-bullying workplace legislation. It’s ill-advised, because defining a bully results in vague legalese and assigning liability to an employer for vague conduct is nightmarish.

That’s not to say that workplace bullying should be ignored. Some employers try to keep it in check with discipline or firing, some with coaching or mentoring. Bullying by either gender is disruptive and counterproductive. It’s the antithesis of the teamwork all employers say they need to have a successful workplace.

One more thing. While bullying legislation has stalled, state gun legislation has kicked into high gear. Until every employee is armed at work, gun advocates won’t rest. Bullies beware — unless you too are armed.