Development of a Taxonomy of Workplace Bullying Intervention Types: Informing Research Directions and Supporting Organizational Decision Making

Abstract

Recently much has been done to increase our understanding of workplace bullying including its causes, consequences, and prevalence. Although identification of possible interventions has advanced the field, systematic evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of specific interventions is lacking. At the same time, organizations are under increasing pressure to prevent and manage workplace bullying more effectively. The aim of this study is to develop and refine a taxonomy of workplace bullying intervention types. Although it does not assess the evidence base of interventions per se, the taxonomy is designed to support the development of research into the future and guide organizations in their decision making when implementing interventions. Using a two-round Delphi process, the expertise of international academics and practitioners ( n = 51 and n = 39) was sought to refine the taxonomy, which classified interventions in terms of mode, focus, agent, specificity, and timecourse. Eleven core intervention types were endorsed as appropriate inclusions in the taxonomy of workplace bullying intervention types. A further six, including mediation, failed to reach consensus among the expert panel. The resulting taxonomy forms a framework to guide workplace bullying intervention efficacy and effectiveness research from a common understanding of the definition, scope, and properties of interventions. Once this occurs, the taxonomy can be used by organizations to audit their existing programs, prioritize new interventions, and consider alternate options. Intervention types that did not reach consensus highlight areas of particular research need, which, when undertaken will add to an evidence base and will be included in future versions of the taxonomy.