Understanding the Dynamics of Mobbing and Its Psychological Impacts
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Chapter 1: The Concept of Mobbing
Mobbing, commonly referred to as workplace psychological harassment in Turkey, has recently gained attention in legal contexts. This issue transcends gender and predominantly involves "real persons" rather than "legal entities," thus being addressed in civil and criminal courts rather than administrative ones.
It's noteworthy that mobbing incidents are rarely found in military settings, which typically maintain a different professional ethos. In contrast, universities often resemble barracks in terms of mobbing incidents. Alarmingly, over 99% of such cases remain hidden, with only a mere 0.5% visible, akin to the tip of an iceberg.
In Western nations, however, the phenomenon has a rich historical context, supported by established laws and regulations. Universally, mobbing cases in academic institutions are pervasive, raising the question: how does an abuser select their victim? What traits do they seek in their targets? This article aims to examine mobbing from a cybernetic lens.
Section 1.1: The Abuser's Profile
The typical abuser is often a supervisor who views their victim as a prized possession. Particularly in cases where the abuser harbors deep-seated complexes or obsessive tendencies, the situation escalates. These individuals possess a psychological self-respect that they struggle to articulate, constantly seeking validation.
They prioritize their "real personality" over their legal authority, often exhibiting erratic behaviors. If a higher authority does not share similar traits, it may temporarily alleviate the situation. However, dismissing the harasser from their position remains the ultimate solution, as their power is derived from the authority granted by the system.
The crux of the matter is that facing legal repercussions signifies the end of their influence.
Subsection 1.1.1: Characteristics of the Victim
Victims of mobbing are often exceptional individuals who excel in their careers and have undergone socialization. The abuser typically labels their victim as "problematic," casting them in a negative light without clearly defining the issue at hand.
The methods employed by the abuser include:
- Utilizing gossip as a psychological weapon
- Conducting covert negotiations in the victim's surroundings
- Engaging in systematic harassment and false accusations
- Manipulating emotions and interpreting intentions.
Section 1.2: Theoretical Framework
Drawing from Von Neumann's game theory, as articulated by Tolga Yarman, the dynamics of mobbing can be understood mathematically. The abuser's actions often maximize their gains while minimizing the victim's status. This creates a toxic environment where the abuser's cowardice and insecurities manifest through their behavior.
In one scientific study involving Brazilian monkeys, it was discovered that the abuser gathers more information about the victim than the victim does about the abuser. This imbalance reveals the depth of the abuser's obsession, as they must remain vigilant to maintain control.
Chapter 2: The Cycle of Mobbing
The video titled "Psychology of Victim of Torture and Abuse" delves into the complex psychological landscape surrounding victims of mobbing. It highlights the emotional toll and the systemic issues that perpetuate such behavior.
Results from the monkey study indicated that the dominant abuser received significantly more information from the victim’s behaviors than the reverse. This disparity, with the abuser’s information intake being ten times greater, underscores the dynamic nature of their relationship.
The abuser often has a history of similar harassment, perpetuating a cycle of behavior they have internalized. However, it's crucial to recognize that mobbing is not an inevitable fate. The emotional intelligence decline observed in such situations is symptomatic of deeper societal issues.
In conclusion, addressing mobbing requires a shift in perspective. Solutions should align with an ecological understanding of consciousness rather than a purely Cartesian approach. University administrations must actively combat mobbing and refrain from endorsing such behaviors.
Footnote: 1) Tolga Yarman, "The Psychology of Gossip," Popular Science magazine. 2) Frederic Vester, translated by Aydın Arıtan, "The Meaning of Ecology," Arıtan Publication, 1997, Istanbul.