Aboriginal Lateral Violence - Native Women's Association of Canada

Anyone can be a target of lateral violence...(continued)Certain situations and events predisposeone to experiencing lateral violence in theworkplace. Usually individuals who are thetarget of lateral violence are:• New employees that may be coming intoan organization during times of changeand become a target because otherworkers who may feel vulnerable see thisindividual as a threat to their jobs.• Employees who have received apromotion or advancement and are seenas undeserving by other co-workers.• Younger employees who have moreeducation and training than olderworkers and are seen as a threat.• Members of families or friends of leaderswho are no longer in power positions.• Employees who are good at their job andpopular with people.The Effects of Lateral ViolenceOn a personal level, depending on theseverity of the lateral violence there are alot of health problems that can manifest forthe individual being targeted. They couldexperience:• Sleep disorders either not being able tosleep or not wanting to get out of bed inthe morning;• Changes in eating habits – either eatingmore or less or differently;• Weight loss or gain;• Moodiness – lack of sleep will usuallymean that you won’t be all that happy;• Self-doubt –you question all yourdecisions and abilities;• Decreased self confidence;• Feelings of worthlessness;• Forgetfulness;• Chronic anxiety;“When individualsfeel inferior, inadequateand afraid, they take on thequalities of the oppressor as away of acquiring strength andan illusion of power.”– Jane Middleton-Moz• Depression;• Emotional and teary eyed;• Higher absenteeism-not wantingto be at work; and• Weakening immune system – resultingin greater susceptibility to colds, flu andother illness.Because the individual may have noother employment options, as thelateral violence continues or gets worsethe individual may experience moreintense physical and emotional healthdeterioration. Some individuals end upon sick leave and long-term disability.In the extreme, it can end it suicide orviolent death.The costs to the organizationLateral violence not only affects theindividual who is experiencing it. It alsoimpacts other people in the organizationand community. Spending time rumourmongeringand gossiping costs theorganization money in terms of lackof productivity. Additionally, a toxicorganization also creates an atmospherein which there is:• High staff turnover• Loss of corporate history• Low morale• Decreased customer service• Increased financial costs• Increased absenteeism• Lack of teamwork• Unhealthy competitionpg. 4 Aboriginal Lateral Violence