4. Workplace Bullying: A Review of the Defining Features, Measurement Methods and Prevalence across Continents

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, academic researchers across the globe have extensively studied the concept, definition and the prevalence of workplace bullying. Even though researchers around the globe explain bullying with multiple terminologies, certain key features define the phenomenon. The researchers have used various methods and tools to measure the prevalence of the phenomenon. Therefore, this article aims to review and present the key defining features, various measuring methods and the prevalence of workplace bullying across various continents, such as, Scandinavia, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Africa. The findings from the review of prevalence highlights that workplace bullying is highest in Asia and lowest in Scandinavia. The review draws attention to the various key directions for future research.