WSU Communication Prof. Loraleigh Keashly comments on factors of office bullying...
The Vancouver Sun
"Teenagers like Amanda Todd not the only age group bullied: experts"
by Misty Harris
Experts say the bullying phenomenon spans cradle to casket, with older workers in particular being at risk of victimization. Research by the Workplace Bullying Institute finds nearly one-third of people between the ages of 50 and 64 have been bullied on the job. Loraleigh Keashly, an associate professor at Wayne State University, describes older workers as being "at considerable risk" of office bullying. She says contributing factors can include: a desire by management to push them out; conflict resulting from large generation gaps or gender imbalances in staff; professional jealousy; and prejudices about older people's ability to perform effectively.