Case Study Bullying in the Workplace Hazing is the practice of playing unpleasant tricks on someone or forcing someone to do unpleasant things as initiation into a group. Hazing can take place at fraternities, college campuses, the workplace, and even within the National Football League (NFL). Many justify hazing by calling it a long-held tradition. But this excuse will not hold up in a court of law. Richie Incognito was suspended by the Miami Dolphins over allegations of harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin. Incognito allegedly sent offensive texts to Martin and created a hostile work environment. Some people believe that the NFL locker room is a macho, all-male environment where crudeness is acceptable. Any player who shows resistance could be hazed. Veteran players on NFL teams have always had initiation rituals for rookies. Some rituals include forcing rookies to carry the veterans' football pads and other gear and making the rookies take veterans out for expensive meals. Other rookies have been forced to get their heads shaved or to sing in front of the entire team. Bullying is the process of intimidating somebody weaker or in a more vulnerable situation. It can range from yelling at a person to spreading untrue rumors about him or her. More subtle examples of bullying are excluding coworkers (or teammates) from important meetings or social outings. Individuals participate in bullying to express their superiority. When businesses and sports agencies do not take actions to correct bullying, the unethical behavior continues. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, behaviors that represent workplace bullying may include verbal abuse, work interference, and offensive conduct or behavior that is harmful to the health of the person(s) being bullied. Victims of workplace bullying can suffer from physical and mental health issues. Concerned Employers Businesses are concerned about bullying in the workplace because it can lead to legal consequences for the "bully" and the business. Verbal and physical threats and assaults by employees can result in legal action against the employer. In addition, workplace bullying that leads to a hostile work environment can affect the work performance of the victim and other employees. Employers must stress that they will not tolerate bullying behaviors and that bullies will be punished, and possibly fired. Think Critically

1)Does any form of hazing or bullying take place in your school? What can be done to stop bullying? 2)Do you believe the Incognito/Martin situation is a case of bullying? Why or why not? What can organizations like the NFL do to stop bullying? 3)Do you think businesses should be held legally responsible for a bully's actions? Why or why not? 4)Why do you think some individuals participate in bullying activities?