ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Indian workplaces in the formal sector. It includes: both old economy and new economy, public and private organisations. Employment patterns in these contexts now go beyond the conventional standard full-time permanent contracts to encompass various non-standard part-time temporary forms. The primary data in the Indian empirical studies cited were gathered in English from white-collar employees, supervisors, managers and professionals whose educational qualifications ranged from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees, with the majority being either graduates or post-graduates. India represents a paradox socially and economically. Socially, notwithstanding the stereotype that Indian culture is collectivistic, humanistic and spiritual, the coexistence of individualism, personalised and identity-based interactions, and materialism brings in complexity. Workplace bullying is perceived as unfair and impinges on targets' rights, resulting in physical and emotional distress and adversely affecting job performance.
