Study to explore extent of bullying in academe

As lecturers' unions report concern about bullying in higher education, The Times Higher this month launches the first survey to canvass academics at all levels for their views on the subject.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that bullying is rife, but there are no comprehensive data. The study aims to examine the issue in depth. Responses are welcome from everyone - those who have been bullied at work, those who feel bullying is an excuse for poor performance - anyone with an opinion to share. The survey will provide examples of good practice and make suggestions of how problems may be overcome.

Petra Boynton, lecturer in Health Services Research at University College London, designed the survey. "Existing evidence suggests that academic traditions of peer review, defending arguments, academic debate, competition of ideas and the 'publish or perish' culture may create an environment that supports or even encourages bullying," she said.

Dr Boynton has studied researchers' wellbeing. During workshops discussing safety procedures for social and health scientists, some staff said they encountered as many problems within their departments as they did in field research settings with participants.

This view was supported by evidence from human resources departments, trade unions, anecdotal reports and qualitative studies and surveys, she said.

"I decided to separate the research, focusing on the experiences of higher education staff around bullying. This is a complex area, and I want to try to broaden the discussion to identify where we can improve staff experiences at work," Dr Boynton said.

The survey outcomes will be reported in The Times Higher later this year.

Participants will be anonymous, and institutions and individuals will not be identified. The idea is to build a profile of staff experience rather than to single out anyone for criticism.

The survey is available for completion on our website during June. Feel free to pass the link to other academics, groups or related mailing lists in the UKor Ireland.

http:///www.thes.co.uk/bullying