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Workplace bullying harms creativity, innovation in employees, says IIM study

Workplace bullying harms creativity, innovation in employees, says IIM study

India Today8 hours ago
Workplace bullying and subtle forms of negative behaviour, such as exclusion, humiliation, or unfair treatment, are silently eroding employees' creativity, according to a new study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.The research has found that such behaviour not only reduces creative thinking but also lowers the chances of employees pursuing innovative side projects, which are often self-initiated and later presented to management when they yield significant results.advertisementThese side projects, when supported, can become engines of business growth. However, the study highlights how bullying suppresses such innovation.MIXED-METHOD RESEARCH DESIGN
According to officials, the researchers employed a mixed-method approach to examine the issue. In the experimental scenario-based section, data was gathered from 112 participants.In the survey-based part, input from 313 employees working in IT-enabled companies was collected, giving the study a broad perspective.Rishab Chauhan, PhD scholar at IIM Lucknow, explained: "Our study sheds light on how subtle forms of workplace mistreatment can silently erode employees' creative potential. Organisations must create an environment where support, respect, and open dialogue are the norm to unlock true innovation."HOW NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR DRAINS ENERGYThe study found that workplace bullying reduces employees' likelihood of engaging in innovative side projects. It also observed that such behaviour drains their 'relational energy', the sense of support and recognition they need to think creatively.Open and transparent communication between managers and employees, the researchers noted, can preserve and revive creative thinking, preventing long-term damage to workplace innovation.GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR THE STUDYThe study received the 'Best Paper in Proceedings Award' in the conflict management division at the 85th Academy of Management (AOM) Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark.Professor Payal Mehra, Communications, IIM Lucknow, said: "It is an honour to have our work recognised at a global platform like AOM. We hope these findings encourage companies to not only curb workplace bullying but also actively nurture the creative spark in their employees."CALL FOR STRONGER POLICIESThe study underlined the urgent need for organisations to identify and address negative workplace behaviour. It recommended the implementation of strong anti-bullying policies, alongside proper punitive systems for offenders."Organisations should establish a proper punitive system for detrimental workplace bullying at workplace. Firms can include employee behaviour as a significant metric for their performance assessment to mitigate workplace abuse. They should also offer secure avenues for employees to lodge appeals and enact proactive measures against workplace bullying," the study said.By fostering respect, communication, and fairness, organisations can not only safeguard their employees' well-being but also unlock greater innovation and creativity.(With inputs from PTI)- Ends
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