Bullying bystander reactions: a case study in the Taiwanese workplace

This study aimed to describe bystander interactions with targets, bullies, and organizational factors in a Taiwanese office context. Various factors shape bystanders’ perceptions of bullying, and how those perceptions subsequently influence bystanders’ reactions. Data were collected through conversational interviews and selective thematic analyses were undertaken to explore participants’ lived experiences. The interview findings identified the main theme of ‘injustice’ and revealed that bystanders’ reactions depend on how the organization handles bullying incidents. An experience of injustice typically had a considerable influence on participants’ work engagement and loyalty toward the organization. A lack of managerial involvement in preventing bullying behavior increased bystanders’ turnover intention and negatively affected the company's bottom line. The results reveal the importance of including bystanders in future interventions against workplace bullying. This study contributes to the extant workplace bullying research by describing bystanders’ reactions and the consequences for organizations. Key points Perceived injustice had a considerable influence on employees’ work engagement and loyalty. Insufficient managerial involvement in preventing bullying increased bystanders’ turnover intention and negatively affected the company. Bystanders’ reactions depend on how the organization handles bullying incidents.