DECRYPTING CYBERBULLYING AT WORKPLACE

Abstract

This dissertation takes on a topic which is still somewhat unexplored and many of the originations have not paid heed to yet. Cyberbullying can be defined a “any use of information and communications technology to support deliberate and hostile attempts to hurt, upset or embarrass another person”. The technological advancement in the recent years has been imperative in changing the ways which business organizations work, it can be said that a modern-day organization will be rendered obsolete without the presence of technology. Technology is not only a choice of businesses but also has become a necessity to survive. In order to maximize the productivity and make an organization cost effective, inclusion of technology in almost every aspect of business is important. Recent developments in the work environment, specially the Covid-19 Pandemic has forced organizations to be heavily dependent on technology for every little thing. Increasing trend of remote working and cross-cultural hiring has also made technology and internet services a mandatory part of every organization. The virtues of technology, internet, and cyberspace as uncountable but a very big problem that is on the rise is the issue of cyberbullying in the workplace, it has been impacting the performances of the employees as well as their personal lives as well. Upon spending a considerable amount of time on researching literature, I concluded that the literature on Cyberbullying at workplace is very limited, though there has been a lot of work done on the area of workplace bullying as organizations are obviously concerned about their employees and do not want them to go through

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something that is absurd in nature. The paucity of research in this area, especially in Indian context is what motivated me to choose this topic. This research work is carried out by doing extensive study on previous research papers or surveys conducted regarding Cyberbullying. The dissertation involves understanding the definition of the Cyberbullying and its context focusing on workplace environment. The act has been understood in reference to Indian organizations as well as workplaces abroad like UK, Canada, Australia, and Pakistan to understand the graveness of the act and how Governments and private organizations have formulated laws & policies to prevent as well to form a grievance redressal system for employees to approach for complaints without fear. The study also involves a primary component in which a survey is being carried out targeting working population in various private & Government organizations, and academic institutions to understand the sources of this act and if there is any counselling service provided to deal with same. Before embarking upon writing this dissertation, an initial survey revealed that it was women who majorly faced the wrath of cyberbullying and hence the main focus will remain on understanding this concern from women’s point of view and how workplaces have ensured that women don’t quit the job or remain stressed about these issues. The study further involves about examining various campaigns and initiatives taken by some organizations to make workplaces safer and cyberbullying free.