Facts Relating to Bullying

Why people are hesitant to make a complaint?

Culture difference

In some cultures, it is ashamed to tell someone else that they are bullied. This is more typical in Asian countries. In Asian culture, it is a shame to be treated inappropriately. Most of the Asian people would think that it is their faults to be bullied. They may think that they are not good enough or they have done something wrong leading to bullying. Also, Asian people are not encouraged to express their feelings. In particular, in most of the Asian countries, parents seldom communicate with their children caring about their children’s school life. Therefore, there is not much opportunities or a context to allow people who are bullied to complain.

 Is it possible for people who file complaints to be victimised beyond the original incident?

How could this happen? 

It is quite possible for people who file complaints to be bullied again. This is because people who are complained may be punished and they blame the people who complain for all punish they received.  As a result, the people who are bullied may be treated hardly afterwards. 

What are some ways organisations and individual managers can help people feel more comfortable to make a claim? 

Organisations can establish policy and procedure to identify what kind of activities are defined as bullying and what measures can be done to protect people who are bullied. Also, organisations can introduce a consultation service where people can complain bullying anonymously. Managers should communicate with people who are bullied regularly to ensure that they are not being bullied after any complaints. 

  What can managers do to create a culture where people feel safe to stand up for their rights to equal treatment and being treated with respect and dignity?

Firstly, managers should inform new employees during the induction that it is employee’s right to be treated equally within the organisation. Also, managers should ensure that there are tools available to report bullyings, such as email, report form or hotline. In addition, managers should be a role model for all employees that they should treat everyone equally. Managers also can have against bullying poster available in the workplace to remind employees that it is not a shame to report bullying and bullying is not an acceptable activity in the workplace.

WORKING WITH DISABILITY

Definition of disability

According to The Disability Services Act (1993), ‘disability’ generally means a disability:

·         Which is attributable to an intellectual or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments

·         Which is permanent or likely to be permanent

·         Which need for continuing support services

   

What can an organization put into place to aid people with disability

According to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, employers have a responsibility of making reasonable adjustments for a person with disabilities.

Some adjustments that an employer can make to the workplace include:

·         Arranging flexibility in work hours

·         Purchasing screen reading software for employees with a vision impairment

·         Buying desks with adjustable heights for people using a wheelchair

List of disability and ways to help them

• Vision loss and blindness

Ways to help

1. Identify yourself when speaks with them
2. Identify and introduce others who are present
3. Tell the person about any dangerous objects around them

• Speech and language disorders

Ways to help

1. Treat the person with respect. Do not be afraid to ask him or her questions
2. Be patient; do not interrupt his or her speech
3. Use facial responses or body language to achieve effective communication
4. Speak clearly and distinctly; treat them as normal people; do not speak too slowly to make the person feel that you are treating them as a ‘special group’

• Physical disability

Ways to help

1. Provide ramps, seating accommodations, and access to all facilities
2. Sit or kneel, to visit at a level that is comfortable for both
3. Respect them, do not assist the person without his or her permission

• Learning disability

Ways to help

1. Encourage the person to be involved, and give positive feedback on his or her efforts
2. Focus on his or her abilities; encourage them to finish tasks individually but help them if it is necessary

 List of act, legislations and laws relating to disability

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

This act aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. Also, the purpose of the act is to promote community acceptance of principle that people with disabilities have the same rights with all members of the community. For instance, it would be disability discrimination if a restaurant refused a person entry because they are blind and have a guide dog.

• There are also some legislation issued by some of states or territories to deal with disability discrimination

AntiDiscrimination Board NSW

AntiDiscrimination Commission Queensland

Northern Territory AntiDiscrimination Commission

South Australia Equal Opportunity Commission

Tasmania Anti-Discrimination Commmissioner

Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission disabilty discrimination guide

Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commission disability information