UNIQUE NO: 285853
ENG1503
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 13 March 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 13 March 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTIONS (…and answers):
1.1 In paragraph 1, the author states that bullying is a word synonymous with the type of conduct
expected in school playgrounds. It is not a word that is usually associated with the workplace.
In your own words, discuss 2 plausible factors from the text that may contribute to the
prevalence of workplace bullying. Provide 2 of your own examples. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Bullying in the workplace, as discussed in the provided text, can arise from multiple underlying
factors. Two prominent contributors highlighted are power dynamics and the cultivation of a
hostile work environment.
Firstly, power imbalances within organizational hierarchies can facilitate instances of bullying.
Employees in positions of authority may misuse their power to intimidate or mistreat
subordinates, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion. Such behaviour undermines the
principles of respect and professionalism essential for a healthy work environment.
Secondly, the prevalence of a toxic workplace culture characterized by insults, demeaning
behaviour, and unchecked aggression can exacerbate instances of bullying. When disrespectful
ENG1503
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 13 March 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 13 March 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTIONS (…and answers):
1.1 In paragraph 1, the author states that bullying is a word synonymous with the type of conduct
expected in school playgrounds. It is not a word that is usually associated with the workplace.
In your own words, discuss 2 plausible factors from the text that may contribute to the
prevalence of workplace bullying. Provide 2 of your own examples. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Bullying in the workplace, as discussed in the provided text, can arise from multiple underlying
factors. Two prominent contributors highlighted are power dynamics and the cultivation of a
hostile work environment.
Firstly, power imbalances within organizational hierarchies can facilitate instances of bullying.
Employees in positions of authority may misuse their power to intimidate or mistreat
subordinates, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion. Such behaviour undermines the
principles of respect and professionalism essential for a healthy work environment.
Secondly, the prevalence of a toxic workplace culture characterized by insults, demeaning
behaviour, and unchecked aggression can exacerbate instances of bullying. When disrespectful
