Analyzing Workplace Bullying in 'Devil Wears Prada': A Case Study

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This case study analyzes workplace bullying in the movie "Devil Wears Prada."

CASE STUDY 1
Case Study
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CASE STUDY 2
1. Describe what makes it a workplace bullying situation?
Taking the clip from the movie "Devil Wears Prada" the situation shows the boss
consciously ignoring the talent and efforts done by her newly hired assistant. She has
been dumping her work on the assistant that his highly unprofessional. She has developed
an image of the capabilities of her assistant and has been testing her beyond her
capabilities. She is not giving the assistant an opportunity to learn and earn in the
organization. This behavior has been demotivating the assistant and affecting the
confidence and self-esteem she carries.
2. What do you think the person who is bullied is experiencing?
The bullied assistant has been feeling a huge urge to anger, frustration and irritation. Her
motive to learn about the organization and its features was not fulfilling. The constant
work pressure and the impromptu behavior of her boss have affected her analytical
abilities. She has been experiencing major work-life balance issues in her life and was
losing her confidence to do something good in her life. This bullying has been instigating
her to either quit the job or try for something else.
3. What are their reactions?
Mostly her reaction to the situation is irritation and anxiety. She has been trying every
possible thing to make her boss happy, but the negligence to her efforts has made it
difficult for her to decide the right amount of effort she has been putting. She is reacting
very calmly in front of her boss, but behind her, there is an outburst of anger, frustration,
and dilemma in her character.
4. What purpose does think bullying behavior is serving the bully?

CASE STUDY 3
This kind of behavior is making the bully feel that she is the most powerful person who
owns the life and thoughts of those who work under her. She believes that her assistant is
not a person with feelings but a person she owns to do whatever she wants. This has
given her a sense of power and authority to bully those who do not have confidence and
those who are not earning to her level. This bullying is a part of the frustration she has
gathered from a life that she released on her assistant.
5. What would you do if you were in this situation?
If I were the person who was being bullied in the workplace, I would have initially taken
this situation calmly and discuss the same with my colleagues. If they support me well I
will go to the authorities and discuss the matter. Moreover, I would talk to my bully
directly about the cause of hatred they had for me and what solution can both the parties
come across to stop this bullying. This would help the bully to understand the
consequences of their behavior.
6. What would you do if you witness a colleague experiencing bullying?
If I feel my colleague is experiencing bullying, I will confront that person to analyze the
reason behind them accepting this treatment. I will motivate them to stand up for their
rights and help them to talk to the concerned authorities. I will myself talk to the bully to
stop this kind of behavior and even still there is no change in the behavior I will take
some strong legal action against them.
7. What would you do if you witness as a manager workplace bullying?
Being a manager, it is my duty to give an equal chance to all the employees and help
them develop a clean and collaborative workplace. Witnessing bullying will result in a
confrontation with the bully. I will warn them not to help the other employee to stand up

CASE STUDY 4
for their rights and give a proper answer to such people. If the situation continues, I will
talk to HR to take effective action against such employee and set an example for
everyone.
8. What would you do if the reported situation has not been taken seriously?
After reporting the incidence if no proper response is gathered, I will talk to super
authorities and then beyond them. If the situation remains the same, I will take legal
action against the people and get justice. I will talk to other colleagues to help me
gathering enough evidence to prove the situation and its importance in my career. Still,
the situation pertains I will go for other organizations and change the organization but
will keep on the legal fight against the bullies.
9. How would you support colleagues in this situation?
To support my colleague, I will, first of all, motivate them not to accept this kind of
behavior and stand up for themselves. I will train and help them to be more confident and
well aware of the situation in the future if they keep on accepting the same attitude of
others. I will talk to the bully and advise them to change their behavior. I will file a
complaint to the authorities.

CASE STUDY 5
References
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp6yUoB_RiA