How to recognize mobbing - Characteristics

• The target has a record of success.
  
  
• The mobbers make up the rules as they go along and do not follow the accepted university due process procedures.
  
  
• The timing usually favors the mobbers, such as choosing to attack after the faculty member has had a serious medical procedure.
  
  
• The mobbers protest vehemently against any external review of their actions.
  
  
• The mobbers attempt to carry out their attacks in complete secrecy, using such tactics as anonymous hate mail left in the target’s mailbox.
  
  
• The charges against the target are for relatively minor instances, such as alleging that a faculty member has said certain things that the mobbers find objectionable.
  
  
• There is a unanimity of negative opinion about the target.
  
  
• The target is selected first and then the charges are brought.
  
  
• The mobbers use “impassioned rhetoric” in attacking the target.
  
  
• The mobbers spread rumors and gossip about the target.
  

From: Women In Higher Education