Volunteers not safe from workplace bullying

Volunteering to work for a cause or organisation often comes from a person’s generosity, but this does not stop many from experiencing workplace bullying, according to new research released from Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University (ECU).

Over 100 volunteers were surveyed from various organisations, such as sporting clubs, op shops and palliative care, with one in three indicating that they had experienced bullying behaviours.

The research is the first of its kind to investigate whether workplace bullying is an issue for volunteers in Australia and included views from frontline staff to board members.

One responder stated: “Being continually harassed and abused by a member of a higher echelon of the association on many occasions. This was observed by other members and only on one occasion was anything said or done.”

The occasions of bullying recorded were not all one-sided and also included volunteers intimidating other volunteers, as well as volunteers bullying paid staff.

Associate Professor Maryam Omari, from ECU’s School of Business, said the rate of bullying in the volunteering sector was similar to traditional workplaces.

“Bullying is highly subjective, and behaviour that may be unwelcome and inappropriate by a person may be seen as benign by others,” she said.

“The best strategy to deal with these negative behaviours is appropriate role modelling by senior staff, and dealing with inappropriate behaviour at the earliest possible stage prior to escalation.”

Omari said bullying came in many forms but could broadly be defined as behaviour that is unwelcome or causes distress to the recipient.

Volunteering expert Dr Megan Paull, from Murdoch University’s School of Management and Governance, said it is just as important in organisations where volunteers work that action is taken against workplace bullying.

“Volunteers are often seen as being free to leave an organisation where they are uncomfortable, but research has shown volunteers are committed to an organisation, its cause and the people involved,” she said.

“People will usually choose to stay and put up with bad behaviour, rather than abandon an organisation - contrary to traditional workplaces, where bullied staff will often leave.”

The project was conducted with the assistance of Volunteering WA.