ABSTRACT
From the very start of research into workplace bullying, attention has been paid to the negative effects the experience may have on victims (see Einarsen and Mikkelsen, this volume). This is not surprising as such effects can be considered part and parcel of the bullying experience (Leymann, 1996). By contrast, much less attention has been paid to a possible relationship between bullying and organisational outcomes. In relation to sexual harassment cases, Pryor (1987) suggested that costs to the organisation include both direct costs relating to sick leave, turnover, reduced productivity among both victims and work groups, and costs in relation to potential litigation. In this respect Leymann (1990) argues that a case of bullying may cost the organisation around $30,000 to $100,000 each year.
