Exploring “bullying” culture in the para‐military organisation

Abstract

This paper is drawn from a research project into the influences of power and culture on bullying and harassment within the Fire Service, conducted using fire brigades of similar background from the UK, the USA and Eire. It discovered bullying within the Fire Service in two contexts: inappropriate behaviour by managers, such as intimidation, threats and the intimidating use of discipline; and bullying within groups, which is the most influential, and potentially the most damaging to individuals. This occurs within the group that is heavily dependent on the socialisation processes of acceptance, normalisation, indoctrination and preservation of hierarchy. It is also argued that the bullying of individuals because of their sex or race remains an aspect of Fire Service culture and is perpetuated by some to ensure the continuation of the white male culture.