Cyber agression in the workplace

Cyber-aggression or cyber-harassment can be best described in the words of Whitty and Carr:
“Takes the form of obscene or hate e-mail/text messages that threaten or frighten, or e-mails/text messages that contain offensive content, such as sexist or racist material. What is unique about this type of workplace harassment, compared to more traditional forms of harassment, is that this material can be sent by people in addition to work colleagues, by other individuals outside the workplace (either known or not known to the person) or even in the form of spam.” (Whitty & Carr 252)
What many do not realize that the phenomenon of cyber-bullying often associated with teenage culture has spread to the workplace in a variety of ways. While this trend is seemingly silent and slow growing, its effects are considered equally hurtful as any form of harassment.
Methods of use: Instant Messengers/Email/Social Networking
Oftentimes, Cyber-aggression is the result of individuals in a workplace being offended/upset/or feeling threatened by organizational problems. They then resort to virtual communication as a form of retaliation. These actions are referred to as “flaming” by Whitty & Carr, or essentially when an individual online writes with hostility towards a particular person or group of people.
Instant messaging
In a 2003 article, of Workforce Management magazine the author outlines how Instant Messaging has become both a help and a hindrance in organizations. The ease of use with instant messaging, is partially to blame, “Employees can see who else is available, and if it’s someone they want to the talk to, they’re able to connect in real time” the article explains. While this has become an extremely useful tool in workplace communication, instant messengers such at AIM, or MSN Messenger are not easily to regulate from a managerial aspect, which leads to employees being able to have private conversations on a public platform. These conversations can foster aggressive talk and lead to potentially hurtful information being spread among an organization. Some argue that instant messages are beneficial to the work process because it can easily resolve problems without having to distract the person via phone and you don’t have to wait for an email response.
Email
This is one of the most prevalent tools used in cyber-aggression because of its prevalence in workplace communications. Oftentimes upset workers send loaded messages and attach the email to a large group of co-workers that are not involved in the issue to bring attention to it. An article from the Travel Trade Gazette give some advice to avoid being aggressive in emails.
* Always give a clear subject
* State exactly what you need in a simple manner
* Avoid terms like ASAP
* Only use reply all when it refers to the whole group
* Using all upper case is electronic SHOUTING!
* Don’t use texting lexicon
* Never send an email when you are upset
Social Networking
This is one of the fastest growing ways that workers can lash out against each other. With sites such as Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn, the opportunity is high for individuals to be aggressive in a highly public and open forum
Many choose to speak out at their co-workers or superiors because it is a way for them to vent their feelings while not having to say these things, face to face.
Tips for Targeted Individuals
Those who have become aims of cyber-aggression should take a variety of preventative measures to ensure that they are protected from the attacks worsening.
* 1. Save and print out all emails/instant messages or online messages.
* 2. Don’t use your work email address for anything other than work related things
* 3. Don’t disclose your company name on social networking sites, this makes it easier for an attacker to find your work email and send you messages
* 4. Set filters through your email to only allow messages from address that you consider “safe”
* 5. Report all offensive or threatening messages to your supervisor and your company’s HR department
Steps Organizations can take
Peninsula, an employment law consultant agency, gives some sound advice for company’s worried about cyber-harassment from invading their workplace. Firstly, every company should have an IT usage policy set in place and have made sure that employees are aware of the policies. Secondly, employees should only be given access to instant messaging and email systems that can be monitored regularly. A key item to bring to all employees attention is that all the IT systems and computers are the company’s property and not for their personal property. Additionally, the employer should set specific guidelines for dealing with harassment/bullying or grievances in any form.

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