Verifying Women’s Workplace Bullying Experiences at HBCUS and MSIs (2022)

Though most Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are four-year institutions, HBCUs are understudied when compared to Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Additionally, since workplace bullying is an understudied topic in higher education, this unfortunate workplace phenomenon receives even less attention in research about HBCUs and MSIs (minority serving institutions). To address the gap in the literature, I invited faculty from 45 HBCUs and MSIs in 15 states to participate in the study. With 65% of respondents identifying as women, I had an opportunity to conduct an analysis about workplace bullying and gender at HBCUs and MSIs. Theoretically, I applied Acker’s [Gender and Society, 2, 139–158 (1990)] gendered organization theory. Arguably, women must still strive through patriarchal structures to advance their careers. Gendered organizational theory acknowledges that the most powerful positions in most organizations are held by men; hence, policies and practice reflect the male point of view.