tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28080901.post2759779377041154212..comments2024-03-20T08:37:50.011+00:00Comments on Bullying of Academics in Higher Education: Evil at work: bad bossesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28080901.post-87151858614847645712008-11-13T17:37:00.000+00:002008-11-13T17:37:00.000+00:00My last department head was a combination of sever...My last department head was a combination of several of the types cited. He had definite signs of being psychopathic, but had overwhelming charm. He could convince people that black was white. He was the sort who could slit one's throat and yet have the victim convinced that it was for their own good.<BR/><BR/>At the same time, he had to be #1 in *everything*. He always had to be the first one with the latest electronic toy. He was quick to integrate the latest buzzword into his conversation. Each time a new management technique was adopted by the institution's administration, he immediately volunteered our department as guinea pigs.<BR/><BR/>At the same time, nobody in the department was allowed to be smarter, better educated, or more qualified than him (which explains why his attacks on me increased after I received my Ph. D.). I'd hate to think what would have happened to any of his subordinates if they had a wife prettier or more slender than his or drove a fancier car than what he had.<BR/><BR/>Yet, despite anecdotal evidence that he was in severe need of psychiatric counseling, his conduct was not only encouraged but rewarded by his superiors.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad I left when I did.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28080901.post-37661141938861410812008-11-13T17:27:00.000+00:002008-11-13T17:27:00.000+00:00Why don't they care? Propaganda. To places like ...Why don't they care? Propaganda. To places like universities and junior colleges, image is everything and they keep a tight control over what the public sees. That's why most people think that post-secondary institutions are havens of honour and civility. In reality, they're nothing of the sort, whether it's professors or instructors waging war on each other, or professors exploiting or abusing grad students.<BR/><BR/>As for challenging the system even if it costs one's health, don't even bother. It's not worth the expense. There are far too many bad guys in the system and you're just one person. Even if you won, nobody would know or even care.<BR/><BR/>Been there, suffered for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28080901.post-29392669257744435782008-11-12T16:41:00.000+00:002008-11-12T16:41:00.000+00:00With regard to wpb the concept of purposefully cau...With regard to wpb the concept of purposefully causing harm to an employee is key.<BR/><BR/>My experience tells me that there are people who take pleasure in seeing others suffer. These people have leadership positions in our universities.<BR/><BR/>When there are staff with the courage to challenge them they refuse to accept what they have done unless that person takes further action... then they sometimes capitulate... often using public funds to defend themselves.<BR/><BR/>Do the public know what is happening in our universities?<BR/><BR/>Why don't they care?<BR/><BR/>I care.<BR/><BR/>I am prepared to challenge.<BR/><BR/>Even though it costs my health.<BR/><BR/>Aphra BehnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com