Academic Bullying: An Unstable Element in STEM Research (Poster 9)

• In Event: Friday Poster Session 3:05 pm

Abstract

Researchers have analyzed the impact of workplace bullying in higher education by considering policy, the targets’ experiences, and the organizational problems. However, few studies have considered how workplace bullying disrupts reliable and rigorous lab science. This study applies the theories of abusive supervisor and institutional betrayal to the impact of workplace bullying on n=121 post-doctoral students and lab assistants. Krippendorf’s qualitative content analysis assisted in uncovering five salient themes: coercive supervision, institutional apathy, gossip, job/career threat, and hurts the science. With these findings in mind, structural changes are recommended to alleviate the emotional and psychological abuse when workplace bullying remains unchecked. In turn, we can minimize the threat to science and the threat to creating and disseminating valid scientific findings.

Author

• Leah P. Hollis, Pennsylvania State University