Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context
Abstract Background In Oman, research on workplace bullying remains in its nascent stage, with a notable lack of qualitative studies that delve into the lived experiences of victims. This qualitative phenomenological study seeks to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences and consequences...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Future Business Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00550-6 |
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| author | Hajar Alawi Al Shaikh Abubakar Mariam Anil Ciby Alison Thirlwall |
| author_facet | Hajar Alawi Al Shaikh Abubakar Mariam Anil Ciby Alison Thirlwall |
| author_sort | Hajar Alawi Al Shaikh Abubakar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In Oman, research on workplace bullying remains in its nascent stage, with a notable lack of qualitative studies that delve into the lived experiences of victims. This qualitative phenomenological study seeks to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences and consequences of workplace bullying among Omani victims. Methods Data were collected from Omani employees from diverse professional backgrounds through in-depth interviews, and the data were analysed based on interpretive phenomenological analysis using NVivo software. Results The results revealed key themes of the consequences of workplace bullying, highlighting the emotional, psychological and physical health issues, spillover effects to family, absenteeism, low performance and intention to quit. Additionally, lack of awareness and support systems were found to exacerbate the victims' sufferings. Conclusion This study explored the impact of workplace bullying among Omani employees in pursuit of the United Nations SDG goals 8 (decent work and economic growth). The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive anti-bullying policies, awareness programs and support systems within organizations in Oman. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on workplace bullying in the Middle-Eastern context, offering insights for policymakers, and human resource professionals to create a safer and inclusive work environment in Oman. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7300308169db4e9f86321698d1b794cb |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2314-7210 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Future Business Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-7300308169db4e9f86321698d1b794cb2025-08-20T02:03:35ZengSpringerOpenFuture Business Journal2314-72102025-05-0111111010.1186/s43093-025-00550-6Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern contextHajar Alawi Al Shaikh Abubakar0Mariam Anil Ciby1Alison Thirlwall2Department of Management, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar UniversityDepartment of Management, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar UniversityFaculty of Business, University of Wollongong in DubaiAbstract Background In Oman, research on workplace bullying remains in its nascent stage, with a notable lack of qualitative studies that delve into the lived experiences of victims. This qualitative phenomenological study seeks to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences and consequences of workplace bullying among Omani victims. Methods Data were collected from Omani employees from diverse professional backgrounds through in-depth interviews, and the data were analysed based on interpretive phenomenological analysis using NVivo software. Results The results revealed key themes of the consequences of workplace bullying, highlighting the emotional, psychological and physical health issues, spillover effects to family, absenteeism, low performance and intention to quit. Additionally, lack of awareness and support systems were found to exacerbate the victims' sufferings. Conclusion This study explored the impact of workplace bullying among Omani employees in pursuit of the United Nations SDG goals 8 (decent work and economic growth). The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive anti-bullying policies, awareness programs and support systems within organizations in Oman. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on workplace bullying in the Middle-Eastern context, offering insights for policymakers, and human resource professionals to create a safer and inclusive work environment in Oman.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00550-6Workplace bullyingPhenomenologyOmanVictims of bullyingBullying behavioursConsequences of bullying |
| spellingShingle | Hajar Alawi Al Shaikh Abubakar Mariam Anil Ciby Alison Thirlwall Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context Future Business Journal Workplace bullying Phenomenology Oman Victims of bullying Bullying behaviours Consequences of bullying |
| title | Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context |
| title_full | Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context |
| title_fullStr | Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context |
| title_short | Unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying: a qualitative phenomenological study from Middle-Eastern context |
| title_sort | unveiling silent struggles of workplace bullying a qualitative phenomenological study from middle eastern context |
| topic | Workplace bullying Phenomenology Oman Victims of bullying Bullying behaviours Consequences of bullying |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00550-6 |
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