Interventions in Mobbing: a Revision of Literature

Introduction
After 30 years of research, although the subject of mobbing is well-known, the mechanisms for management and prevention of these cases are still being developed.

Methods
With the aim to identify and systematize the methods of intervention in mobbing, this article presents a revision of literature that was developed during 2009 and 2010, encompassing: national and international scientific journals, thesis and internet sites on the subject.

Results
The concept of mobbing is discussed specifying its basic defining elements; interventions are grouped, in terms of levels of the prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) and targets of the actions (individuals directly implied, witnesses, work group and organization). For the implied people (bully and victim) the intervention contemplates counselling, support group, strategies of rehabilitation and return to the work, ombudsperson, coaching, mediation, arbitration, displacement or dismissal. For the work group and colleagues, interventions on organizational climate, counselling and support groups are recommended. For the organizations, the development of a anti mobbing policy associated to organizational changes is suggested. The revision still summarizes the results in terms of the aspects that lead to success of the interventions and the best practices.

Discussion
Given the complex nature, multidimensional, relational and procedural character of mobbing, it is clear that punctual and isolated interventions do not work. It is necessary a broad approach of the problem and a systematic evaluation of the actions. The scientific evidences summarized here can serve as a starting point, but each case should be analysed and the intervention design should consider the social and organizational context and involve all stakeholders.