Rani is a Year 12 student doing a structured workplace learning placement at a busy catering company. Her supervisor, Mark, regularly criticises her work in front of others. Over the past three weeks, Mark has (1) posted a photo of a spilled sauce bottle in the staff group chat with the caption “Some people shouldn’t be allowed in a kitchen” and did not name anyone, but several staff replied with laughing reactions; (2) twice rostered Rani to finish 45 minutes later than the other student on the same shift without explanation; and (3) told Rani that if she “can’t handle the pressure” she should “quit before everyone gets sick of you”.
After Rani makes a mistake, Mark also gives her a written warning and tells her to redo an online food safety module during her break. Mark says he is “just managing performance” and that “it’s not bullying if it’s true”. Rani feels anxious before shifts and has started avoiding the lunchroom because she thinks others are talking about her.
Apply the characteristics of workplace bullying to this scenario. Using evidence from the stimulus, explain whether Mark’s behaviour is more likely to meet the definition of workplace bullying. Refer to at least two characteristics (for example, repeated behaviour, unreasonable behaviour, and risk to health and safety).
Marking your answer...
This may take a few seconds
Sign up for free to see your full marking breakdown and personalised study recommendations.
Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 VM Work Related Skills practice question worth 4 marks, testing your understanding of Workplace bullying characteristics. It falls under Workplace responsibilities and rights in Unit 3: VM Work Related Skills Unit 3: Industrial relations, workplace environment and practice. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
This unit focuses on the core elements of a healthy, collaborative, inclusive and harmonious workplace and is separated into three main areas: wellbeing, culture and the employee-employer relationship; workplace relations; and communication and collaboration. Students will learn how to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and employers, understanding the characteristics of a positive workplace culture and its relationship to business success. They will investigate key areas relating to workplace relations including methods for determining pay and conditions, workplace bullying, workplace discrimination, workplace harassment and dispute resolution. Students will discover how teamwork and communication skills contribute to healthy, collegiate and productive workplaces.
In this area of study students will explore workplace relations, including the National Employment Standards and methods of determining pay and conditions. They will consider the characteristics and legal consequences of workplace bullying, workplace discrimination and workplace harassment, and gain an overview of the common legal issues experienced in the workplace. Students will examine processes to address and resolve workplace disputes. On completion of this unit the student should be able to outline the National Employment Standards and methods for determining pay and conditions, explain the characteristics of workplace bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, and outline the processes and legal consequences for breaches and analyse the personal ramifications that may follow.
characteristics of workplace bullying
StudyPulse has thousands of VCE VM Work Related Skills questions with full AI feedback, mark breakdowns, progress tracking, and study notes across every Key Knowledge point including Workplace bullying characteristics.
