The impact of individual factors on being exposed to workplace bullying in academia

Abstract

Background and rationale: Workplace bullying which has severe negative consequences at individual, group, organizational and societal level is becoming a growing research interest. Individual and organizational factors have been studied through previous studies. However, there are inconsistent findings on individual factors and exposure to workplace bullying. Aim: This paper examines the impact of individual factors (gender and personality) on being exposed to workplace bullying in Management faculties in state universities in Sri Lanka. Proposed methodology: A cross-sectional survey design will be adopted and data will be collected through self-administered questionnaire. Bullying is assessed using the Negative Activity Questionnaire (NAQ). The Five Personality Factors Inventory will be used to measure the personality. Expected Outcomes: This study contributes to the existing literature with inconsistent findings on individual factors and workplace bullying. Further, the existence of the workplace bullying in Sri Lankan academia will be revealed.