Constructive, beneficial, and cooperative interpersonal relationships are often seen as essential for organizational success. But what happens at the other end of the scale, when relations at work are not only low-quality but also turn toxic, destructive, and abusive? Several decades of research show that workplace mistreatment has significant, detrimental consequences for organizations and individuals alike. Whether in the form of bullying, sexual harassment, ostracism, abusive supervision or other, related phenomena, the harmful consequences of workplace mistreatment are often stronger and more significant than the equivalent beneficial consequences of constructive interrelationships. Relatedly, conflicts in working life may escalate and become destructive and person-oriented if not handled adequately. For organizational scholars and practitioners, knowledge about antecedents and vulnerability factors is essential if mistreatment and escalated conflicts are to be prevented. Further, when destructive interpersonal phenomena occur, the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and treat the problem are crucial.

This course will review the literature on different forms of workplace mistreatment as well as workplace conflicts and conflict resolution. The course will focus on both antecedents and consequences and the nature of these concepts in themselves. From a preventive viewpoint, students will learn about organizational policies, management styles, and bystander roles. Finally, the course will discuss different ways in which workplace mistreatment and conflicts can be handled and investigated by organizational practitioners when the problem has surfaced.