CMI issue guide to beating the bullies

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has launched new guidelines to help organisations manage bullying at work.

Launched in association with Acas and Unison, Bullying in the Workplace: Guidance for Managers outlines the factors that contribute towards an organisational bullying culture and urges managers to be clear on the procedures for dealing with complaints.

It also calls on managers to put preventative 'anti-bullying' measures in place. According to the guide, managers should look out for signs of:

• misuse of power or overbearing supervision
• undermining by overloading colleagues with too much work
• constant criticism
• blocking promotion or denying training and development opportunities
• intimidation

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the CMI, said: bullying has an undermining influence on staff morale which, in turn, adversely affects an organisation's performance.

"It is imperative that managers recognise their duty of care to their employees, both in their own behaviour and by developing the knowledge and policies which reduce the likelihood of bullying occurring in the first place," she said.

To communicate the message that bullying is unacceptable, the guide recommends developing clear and concise policies. Areas to consider including are:

• a statement of commitment from senior management
• examples of unacceptable behaviour
• clear indications that bullying is a disciplinary offence
• appropriate details about procedures
• the involvement of trade union and Health & Safety Executive representatives
• assurances that complaints will be dealt with confidentially