Putting ‘Dignity at Workplace’ on the ‘Corporate Governance’ Agenda

Dignity at workplace is increasingly on the agenda of many law-making bodies. While workplace bullying and harassment is not new, many researchers are now highlighting its enormity and negative consequences. There is a clarion call for laws to prevent bullying at workplace and some countries like Sweden have taken the lead with ordinances and laws on victimization at work. In an era where employees are considered the most valuable asset of an organization, the paper looks at what is bullying, mobbing and harassment along with its consequences on the individual and the organization. It explores various options available to the victim including legal options under the present laws. It argues that a work environment free from bullying and harassment is a prerequisite for developing a competitive advantage in a knowledge society. Finally it suggests that dignity at workplace is an important item to be put on the Corporate Governance agenda and organizations should proactively act to create an environment with zero tolerance for bullying.