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Management Communication Quarterly, Vol. 20, No. 2, 148-185 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0893318906291980

Nightmares, Demons, and Slaves

Exploring the Painful Metaphors of Workplace Bullying

Sarah J. Tracy

Arizona State University, Tempe, Sarah.Tracy{at}asu.edu

Pamela Lutgen-Sandvik

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Jess K. Alberts

Arizona State University, Tempe

Although considerable research has linked workplace bullying with psychosocial and physical costs, the stories and conceptualizations of mistreatment by those targeted are largely untold. This study uses metaphor analysis to articulate and explore the emotional pain of workplace bullying and, in doing so, helps to translate its devastation and encourage change. Based on qualitative data gathered from focus groups, narrative interviews, and target drawings, the analysis describes how bullying can feel like a battle, water torture, nightmare, or noxious substance. Abused workers frame bullies as narcissistic dictators, two-faced actors, and devil figures. Employees targeted with workplace bullying liken themselves to vulnerable children, slaves, prisoners, animals, and heartbroken lovers. These metaphors highlight and delimit possibilities for agency and action. Furthermore, they may serve as diagnostic cues, providing shorthand necessary for early intervention.

Key Words: workplace bullying • emotion • metaphor analysis • work feelings • harassment


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