A Debate about the Accountability Gap: Why Workplace Bullies Evade Consequences

Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: The Debate · Jul 12, 2026 · 24m

This research explores the disturbing imbalance of consequences in professional environments, where victims of bullying suffer significant career and health setbacks while perpetrators often remain unaffected. Research indicates that organizations frequently fail to hold aggressors accountable, often due to complex power dynamics or a lack of functional oversight. This failure creates a systemic justice gap that harms long-term productivity and erodes employee trust in leadership. To address this, the research advocates for structural interventions, such as transparent reporting, active…