What are the steps to resolution taken by key stakeholders following a case of workplace bullying: A scoping review.

BackgroundWorkplace harassment has garnered increasing scholarly attention in recent years. Several aspects of this phenomenon have been explored in depth, such as prevalence, predisposing factors, antecedents, consequences and prevention methods. However, limited research has examined the resolution processes undertaken by key stakeholders following incidents of workplace bullying (WB).ObjectivesThis scoping review aims to map out the key steps and potential interventions following a report of workplace harassment, and thus provide recommendations. Specifically, the roles of the presumed victim, the organization's representative, and the practitioner will be defined and presented for each step of the process and each intervention, considering the needs of all stakeholders.MethodThis scoping review analyzed peer-reviewed articles published from January to December 2024 (25 years). The analysis focused on methods employed to resolve the situation, the outcomes (when available), the procedural stages, and the roles of the main stakeholders.ResultsThe results indicate that mediation and filing a complaint are the most used interventions, while seeking support from the organization and separating the victim and the perpetrator are the most used strategies. The review identifies five procedural stages: Reporting the bullying, Fact Finding, and Choosing, Implementing and Evaluating the method. Finally, both internal and external stakeholders should be involved from the beginning of the process.ConclusionsWe propose a five-stage framework that articulates the roles of key stakeholders. This process, while not necessarily linear, outlines the steps taken by internal and external stakeholders.