Mob mentality is a term used to refer to unique behavioral characteristics that emerge when people are in large groups. It is often used in a negative sense, because the term “mob” typically conjures up an image of an aggressive, chaotic group of people. It became a very popular term associated with football.

In the workplace this has been translated to gang mentality which is also known as: mobbing, bullying and harassment to name a few of the more common terms. 

This is a very serious issue for all organizations as they need to proactively avoid developing a bullying culture; statistics show one in four people have been bullied in the workplace. The humiliating acts vary from verbal or physical abuse and public humiliation.

Workplace harassment is much deeper than unpleasantness and aggression - it can have consequences for an individuals career. Victims of workplace bullying complain of being overloaded with work, passed over for promotion or threatened with the sack.

Early signs of mobbing

You know you've been bullied at work when....

At home;

You are frustrated family demands that you to stop obsessing about work at home

Your doctor asks what could be causing your skyrocketing blood pressure and recent health problems, and tells you to change jobs

You feel too ashamed of being controlled by another person at work to tell your spouse or partner

Days off are spent exhausted and lifeless, your desire to do anything is gone

You begin to believe that you provoked the workplace cruelty

At Work;

You attempt the obviously impossible task of doing a new job without training or time to learn new skills, but that work is never good enough for the boss

Everything your tormenter does to you is arbitrary and capricious, working a personal agenda that undermines the employer's legitimate business interests

Others at work have been told to stop working, talking, or socializing with you

You are constantly feeling agitated and anxious, experiencing a sense of doom, waiting for bad things to happen

No matter what you do, you are never left alone to do your job without interference

People feel justified screaming or yelling at you in front of others, but you are punished if you scream back

HR tells you that your harassment isn't illegal, that you have to "work it out between yourselves"

You firmly confront your tormentor to stop the abusive conduct and you are accused of harassment

You are often accused of incompetence, despite a history of objective excellence

Everyone -- co-workers, senior bosses, HR -- agrees (in person and orally) that your tormentor is a jerk, but there is nothing they will do about it (and later, when you ask for their support, they deny having agreed with you)

Your request to transfer to an open position under another boss is mysteriously denied

 Prevention is better than care 

Employees must be made aware of their rights and it would be healthier to maintain an open, caring and sharing environment in order to discourage bullying. HR is the department that we think of when we are trying to curb inappropriate behavior at work but it is everyone's responsibility. And individuals must always remember they are in charge of their own career and their own destiny. Most cases of mobbing usually pass but the if an individual is experiencing bullying in the work place they need to stay strong, make use of positive affirmations and speak up about their situation to the appropriate parties. And if it becomes an unbearable situation and detrimental to your career then the ultimate action would be to leave the organization. But at your exit interview you should speak out and make your situation known (if you have not already done so in the past) so the organization is forced to make changes or they must be prepared manage the unmanageable situation of a bullying culture.