The Effects of Non-Intervention of Bystanders on Victims Who Experienced Undesired Behavior in the Workplace: Consequences for the Four Fundamental Needs, Distortions of  Blame and Guilt, and Emotions

While the bystander effect is a common phenomenon, the effects of this non-intervention during critical moments to the victims is not clear. The current retrospective study investigated whether non-intervention of bystanders had an effect on victims who experienced undesired behavior in the workplace. We hypothesized the fulfilment of victims’ four fundamental needs would go down, their self-blame would be higher, their perpetrator blame would be lower, and their negative emotions would be higher because of the non-intervention of bystanders. The data from 150 participants were analyzed and results showed main effects of intervention of bystanders, the need to belong, the need for meaningful existence, and self-blame. Here, passive bystanders affected these needs more negatively than active bystanders. Additional analyses also showed main effects for the need to belong, bystander blame, and positive emotions. However, no main effects were found of the need for control and self...Show moreWhile the bystander effect is a common phenomenon, the effects of this non-intervention during critical moments to the victims is not clear. The current retrospective study investigated whether non-intervention of bystanders had an effect on victims who experienced undesired behavior in the workplace. We hypothesized the fulfilment of victims’ four fundamental needs would go down, their self-blame would be higher, their perpetrator blame would be lower, and their negative emotions would be higher because of the non-intervention of bystanders. The data from 150 participants were analyzed and results showed main effects of intervention of bystanders, the need to belong, the need for meaningful existence, and self-blame. Here, passive bystanders affected these needs more negatively than active bystanders. Additional analyses also showed main effects for the need to belong, bystander blame, and positive emotions. However, no main effects were found of the need for control and self-esteem, perpetrator blame, and negative emotions. Practical implications regarding the work environment and awareness are discussed.Show less

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The Effects of Non-Intervention of Bystanders on Victims Who Experienced Undesired Behavior in the Workplace: Consequences for the Four Fundamental Needs, Distortions of Blame and Guilt, and Emotions