The leader-membership exchange theory provides a brilliant depiction of how the dynamics of the leader-follower relationship within a team setting really works. There are those people who go above and beyond for their job, working hard to get along socially as well as practically with their bosses, and then there are those who just want to get in and get out, without a huge amount of deeper commitment toward their leader and team. In some situations though, the division of in group and out group can escalate to where members of the out group become singled out and even mistreated, to the point of bullying.
Hananel (2013) goes into more depth about what this kind of situation can eventually look like in the workplace, and how it can have a larger than life impact, even from a legalistic standpoint: “On-the-job bullying can take many forms, from a supervisor’s verbal abuse and threats to cruel comments or relentless teasing by a co-worker. And it could become the next major battleground in employment law as a growing number of states consider legislation that would let workers sue for harassment that causes physical or emotional harm.”
So while those in the in-group can reap many benefits like chance for promotion, and a happy trusting work environment, it is important that those who are in the out group for whatever reason, are still treated with respect and kindness by both their manager and their peers.
Source: Hananel, S. (2013, March 1). Growing push to halt workplace bullying. Retrieved from http://bigstory.ap.org/article/growing-push-halt-workplace-bullying
I have seen this in a few organizations throughout my career in human resources and I find it occurs the most in organizations where it is an accepted practice within the culture of the organization.
I was new to a company, about two weeks there, and had an employee report an issue of harassment by their fellow teammates which included racial slurs. He informed me he had previously reported it to both the manager and director of the department, but it still continued.
Since I was new to the organization I went to my boss informing her of the issue and seeking direction and was told “that’s how they treat each other in that department it’s all in fun, he (the employee) needs to lighten up”. I was totally stunned by that response.
I informed my boss that it was our responsibility to ensure that employees had the support and resources they needed to be successful and that included a workplace that was free of harassment of any kind, which I pointed out was in our employee handbook and on our website, and if we were not going to resolve this employees complaint in-house then I would advise him to seek outside assistance. She reluctantly agreed to step-in. It was impossible for me to respect her as a leader after that incident.
Unfortunately, reporting it to EEOC may not resolve it either since the person making the complaint has to prove it and being in the out-group it will be their word against the others unless someone is willing to stand up and do the right thing.
Thanks for shining a light on this topic which if ignored could quite possibly result in workplace violence.
Penelope,
I have been in the less popular group at work before and it is certainly not fun. Oddly enough I was outed due to the age difference between myself and others that I worked with. Because I was in a healthcare setting I was treated as if I was incompetent due to my lack of experience at the time, even though I have never done anything to deserve such treatment. It is such a shame that bullying exists even with full-grown adults in professional settings…
-Anjelica
I have been in an out-group before in my previous place of employment. I certainly know the feeling of in superior. Being bullied or treated as outcast makes employees care less about their place of employment. They may be more inclined to call off, cut corners or even steal from their employer. Leaders need to find a way to treat all employees with a certain level of respect and gratitude in order to avoid the existence of out-groups.
I think that within any social setting it is easy to feel excluded. This is definitely an issue within the workplace. Once employees form sub groups, it, may be difficult for new members to join and employee that are not a part of their in group may feel left out. When individuals do not agree with your opinions or preferences they may react in a negative way. On the job bullying may be one of these methods. Be it verbal or physical abuse, bullying can effect an employee’s work performance. Individuals should not belittled or mistreated due to their differences. Everyone deserves to be respectfully treated. Individuals that feel that they may have been a victim of this form of harassment should report the incident or to the Equal Employment Commission or their appropriate office within their company.
Reference
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 2013. Employers. Retrieved From. http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/