What Is Mobbing? The Dark Shadow of Psychological Harassment at Work and Legal Shields of Protection
What Is Mobbing? The Dark Shadow of Psychological Harassment at Work and Legal Shields of Protection
Blog Article
The Dynamics of Mental Health in Workplaces and the Phenomenon of Mobbing
Work life is one of the most fundamental areas that shapes modern human identity, provides economic independence, and expands one’s social circle. In the workplace, individuals have the opportunity not only to demonstrate their professional skills but also to develop and showcase their personal abilities. However, this seemingly balanced environment can, unfortunately, be overshadowed by an invisible threat: mobbing. Gaining increasing public awareness in recent years, this term refers to psychological harassment in the workplace a serious issue that profoundly affects the victim’s quality of life, as well as their mental and physical health. But what exactly is mobbing, which is far more than ordinary work stress or interpersonal conflict? How does it manifest, and how can individuals and institutions combat this destructive behavior? In this article, we will examine mobbing from multiple perspectives its etymological roots, current definitions, psychological impacts, and legal dimensions.
Etymological and Conceptual Origins of Mobbing: The Evolution of a Term
Contrary to what many may think, the term “mobbing” does not originate from psychology or law. Its roots lie in the science of animal behavior ethology.
From Ethology to Social Psychology: The Legacy of Konrad Lorenz and Heinz Leymann
Nobel Prize-winning ethologist Konrad Lorenz first used the term to describe the behavior of small animal groups collectively attacking, harassing, or surrounding a larger or threatening animal (such as a predator). This notion of "collective attack" or "harassment" was adapted to human workplace environments in the early 1980s by Swedish psychologist and occupational health expert Heinz Leymann. Through extensive research, Leymann defined mobbing as the persistent, systematic, and hostile behavior of one or more individuals toward a specific person at work. Thanks to his work, the concept entered academic literature. According to Leymann, mobbing is not just an isolated conflict but a form of “psychological terror” aimed at targeting the victim, isolating them, wearing them down, or ultimately pushing them to resign.
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