THE PHENOMENON OF MOBBING AND DYSFUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK OF PROFESSIONAL PROBATION OFFICERS. RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE STUDY

<ns3:p>The conclusions presented in this article are based on original empirical research conducted in response to reports submitted by professional court probation officers concerning difficult workplace situations, including experiences related to (potential) mobbing and dysfunctional professional relationships. The aim of the study was to identify the scale and nature of mobbing and other inappropriate behaviours occurring in the professional environment of court probation officers. The research was carried out on a sample of 747 professional probation officers employed in 46 judicial districts across Poland. The findings clearly indicate that participants were exposed to various forms of symbolic and psychological violence, including behaviours that meet the criteria of mobbing, perpetrated by both colleagues and superiors. The data point to an urgent need for the implementation of effective mechanisms for monitoring workload and rationalising the scope of professional duties. The results also highlight the necessity of introducing measures aimed at improving workplace climate, developing effective intervention procedures, and ensuring adequate legal protection for individuals exposed to symbolic, psychological and institutional violence in the workplace.</ns3:p>