Upward bullying and impact on school leaders

“When a principal is brought down the culture of the school is destabilised.”

Recently, I came across a compelling article authored by Sandra Rosner in Education Today which delves into the concept of upward bullying. This term, although infrequently mentioned and seldom utilised in educational dialogue, highlights an emerging issue within our schools and workplaces.

Sandra is an Australian high school principal who researched upward bulling in the teaching profession and you may access the article here: 

Upward bullying, also known as reverse bullying, occurs when subordinates intimidate, harass, or exert inappropriate influence over their superiors within a hierarchical structure. This can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, undermining authority, spreading rumours, or using manipulative tactics to gain power or control over the manager or leader.

“Any person in leadership in a school is a potential target for an upward bully but the situation for school principals is of particular concern. When a principal is brought down, the fallout is cumulative; the most senior member of the school staff is dislodged, the executive structure is shaken and the entire school community and the culture of the school are destabilised”

Extract from Sandra Rosner’s article on upward bullying in Education Today.