Harassment in the digital world: Cyberbullying

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, organizations have upgraded their working processes and implemented Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a fundamental communication method. These technological advances have forever transformed workplace communication. However, besides desired effects, ICTs have also become a mean for anti-social online conduct such as workplace cyberbullying. This chapter summarizes contemporary findings from the workplace cyberbullying literature. First, workplace cyberbullying is conceptualized and its specific characteristics are discussed, together with its relation to similar constructs. Next, an overview on the current empirical findings related to prevalence, consequences and antecedents is provided. Finally, the chapter offers some promising avenues for addressing workplace cyberbullying including technological interventions, relationship-oriented interventions and legislation.