Do Rules of Polite, Civilized Behavior Apply at Work?

Unfortunately, what would be considered abusive behavior in families and other social relationships is accepted and even lauded in work situations more frequently than many of us might admit.

Some bosses bully, intimidate, and belittle others.  Underlings are expected to endure abuse that is condemned in other settings.  As the New York Times put it, “Every working adult has known one – a boss who loves making subordinates squirm, whose moods radiate through the office, sending workers scurrying for cover, whose very voice causes stomach muscles to clench and pulses to quicken.”

– Hard Facts by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton