In universities and colleges, academic snobbery is on the rise. If you’re an academic, you’ve probably witnessed or experienced discourtesy, incivility or mobbing in department meetings, hallways and seminars.
It’s a type of bullying that can take place both physically and non-physically, both directly (face to face) and indirectly (through rumour, exclusion, or boycott).
Bullying in the workplace, on the other hand is rarely addressed in Malaysia, with a larger focus on bullying behaviour in schools. According to studies, 37 percent of employees in the United States or 54 million people have been harassed at work or frequently abused in ways that were harmful to their health.
Bullying may take various forms in the adult world, especially in higher education institutions such as being demanding, acting like a boss, refusing to admit mistakes, talking back and pointing fingers. Snobbery may be directed against a number of people at universities.
Non-academics, students, new colleagues and lower-status colleagues, such as those working in inferior disciplines, those on temporary contracts and those with degrees from ‘inferior’ universities, are all included. A contemptuous word or glance might show such arrogance.
It may also be seen in other contexts, such as how new or junior co-workers are treated with a double standard. Snobbery can also be implied by a lack of attention or respect. The wrongdoing is being dealt with in a less serious manner than others.
This sort of bullying without a doubt has a serious impact on an individual’s emotional, psychological and physiological well-being, which is why it is not permitted. However, there are other things to consider. For example, consider the influence of academic arrogance on the health and well-being of the organisation.
Some may ask, “What does it matter?” Snobbery prevails, and if academic snobbery irritates you, consider another professional path. Snobbery has implications, regardless of how it affects people’s feelings.
It might indicate that important issues and concerns go unaddressed because they aren’t raised by the right people. Just imagine, when influential individuals dismiss fresh ideas, innovation might be hindered.
Individuals who would otherwise have been enthusiastic and inventive academics and researchers may abandon academia if they do not feel welcomed. Instead, they will be directing their energy and initiative toward other pursuits.
It is apparent than a person who is constantly subjected to bullying conduct will suffer from moral deterioration, poor performance and bad health. If an academic is a victim of workplace bullying and has to deal with high-level bullying settings and scenarios as well as feelings of burnout and stress, the individual is likely to have a psychological condition.
Bullying behaviour can be reduced when stress levels among academics are lowered such as by reducing a negative work environment, a high workload and unfavourable interactions among co-workers.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the The Independent.
