QUESTION $1$

$(45$ Marks$)$

Bullying within the workplace is most often persistent, happening over an extended period of time. Manifestations of bullying may include physical, verbal and non$-$verbal misconduct against another person. It poses a danger to the physical and psychological well$-$being of the person being bullied; and may have a negative impact on the employees' organisational commitment, which in turn may negatively impact productivity. Poor leadership and extreme competitiveness in the workplace are factors conducive to bullying; and terms such as "harassment" and "bullying" are often used interchangeable.

South Africa has fallen behind in addressing workplace bullying. The Employment Equity Act $55$ of $1998($EEA$)$ provides protection against harassment, but the term is not defined. In addition to this, bullying is not explicitly mentioned in any other legislation in South Africa.

In essay format, unpack and discuss the main points of the statements above, with reference to bullying in the South African workplace. $(45$ marks$)$