Bullying Can Happen in Any Direction
When people think about bullying, they often imagine someone in a position of authority misusing their power.
While this can happen, bullying is not defined by job title, status or position. It is defined by behaviour and its impact.
Bullying can occur:
- Between colleagues.
- Between students.
- Between staff and students.
- Between managers and employees.
- Towards people in leadership positions.
Upward bullying refers to bullying behaviours directed towards someone who holds a position of responsibility, leadership or authority.
Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their role.
What Is Upward Bullying?
Upward bullying occurs when an individual or group repeatedly engages in behaviour that intimidates, undermines, excludes, humiliates or targets someone in a more senior position.
Examples may include:
- A student targeting a lecturer.
- A group of students targeting a programme leader.
- Staff members targeting a manager.
- Repeated hostility towards a team leader.
- Attempts to undermine authority through inappropriate behaviour.
Bullying is often characterised by a pattern of behaviour rather than a single disagreement or complaint.
What Upward Bullying Is Not
It is important to distinguish bullying from legitimate challenge or feedback.
People have the right to:
✓ Raise concerns.
✓ Make complaints.
✓ Challenge decisions.
✓ Disagree respectfully.
✓ Seek accountability.
✓ Express dissatisfaction appropriately.
These actions do not amount to bullying simply because they are directed towards someone in a position of authority.
The key difference is how concerns are raised and whether behaviour becomes unreasonable, hostile or targeted.
Examples of Upward Bullying
Examples may include:
Repeated Personal Attacks
- Insults.
- Mockery.
- Humiliating comments.
- Derogatory language.
Undermining Behaviour
- Deliberately challenging authority in inappropriate ways.
- Spreading rumours.
- Damaging professional credibility.
- Encouraging others to undermine someone.
Exclusion
- Deliberately excluding individuals from discussions.
- Refusing to engage professionally.
- Creating hostile group dynamics.
Intimidation
- Threatening behaviour.
- Aggressive communication.
- Repeated hostile complaints.
- Attempts to pressure or manipulate.
Online Behaviour
- Social media attacks.
- Coordinated criticism.
- Hostile emails.
- Harassing messages.
- Targeting individuals in group chats.
Why Can Upward Bullying Be Difficult to Recognise?
Upward bullying is sometimes overlooked because people assume that individuals in positions of authority are less vulnerable.
However, being a manager, lecturer or supervisor does not make someone immune from:
- Stress.
- Distress.
- Isolation.
- Harassment.
- Bullying.
People experiencing upward bullying may worry that:
- They won't be taken seriously.
- Others will assume they should be able to manage it.
- Reporting concerns will be seen as weakness.
- Their concerns will be dismissed as part of the role.
These assumptions can prevent people from seeking support.
Group Behaviour and Pile-Ons
In some cases, bullying may involve a group rather than a single individual.
Examples include:
- Coordinated complaints intended to intimidate.
- Social media pile-ons.
- Group chat hostility.
- Collective exclusion.
- Organised attempts to undermine someone's position.
When multiple people become involved, the impact can be particularly significant.
The Impact of Upward Bullying
The effects can be similar to any other form of bullying.
Individuals may experience:
- Anxiety.
- Stress.
- Reduced confidence.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Fear of interactions.
- Reduced job satisfaction.
- Difficulty carrying out responsibilities.
- Deterioration in wellbeing.
The impact should not be dismissed because of the person's role or position.
Managing Disagreement Respectfully
Universities are places where people will naturally:
- Challenge ideas.
- Debate issues.
- Raise concerns.
- Make complaints.
- Express dissatisfaction.
These activities are important and legitimate.
Respectful challenge involves:
✓ Focusing on issues rather than individuals.
✓ Remaining professional.
✓ Using appropriate channels.
✓ Respecting differing views.
✓ Avoiding personal attacks.
What Should I Do If I Experience Upward Bullying?
If you believe you are experiencing bullying:
Consider:
- Recording incidents.
- Retaining relevant communications.
- Seeking advice.
- Discussing concerns with an appropriate colleague or manager.
- Accessing support services.
- Using appropriate reporting routes.
Early intervention can often prevent concerns from escalating.
What If I Witness It?
If you witness someone being targeted or undermined:
✓ Challenge inappropriate behaviour safely.
✓ Support the individual affected.
✓ Encourage concerns to be raised.
✓ Avoid participating in gossip or pile-ons.
Creating respectful environments is everyone's responsibility.
Key Message
Holding a position of authority or responsibility does not mean someone should expect to be bullied, harassed or treated disrespectfully.
Everyone—students, staff, managers, leaders and representatives—has the right to work and study in an environment where they are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism.
Healthy challenge and accountability are important. Bullying is not.