A Study of Workplace Bullying and Emotional Strain among Teachers at Universities

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examines the prevalence of workplace bullying among university teachers at universities in South Punjab, Pakistan. The research further investigates differences in perceptions of workplace bullying and explores emotional burden on teachers’ overall productivity. The current study employed a quantitative research design. The study population covered 207 two hundred and seventeen teachers from three public universities. The sample was selected using simple random sampling from 150 teachers working in faculty of Social Sciences at public universities. The data was collected through a structure questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics t-test through SPSS Software to observe the workplace bullying trends. The results indicated that verbal abuse, intimidation, social exclusion, and psychological manipulation are prevalent forms of workplace bullying. However, the findings revealed no significant gender-based differences in perceptions of workplace bullying. Based on the results, this study recommended that universities should establish anti-bullying policies, structured reporting mechanisms, training programs, and psychological support services to promote a safe and respectful work environment.