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Empowering My PhD Journey: Overcoming Academic Adversity

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Turning to nature, envision a group of small birds coming together in the face of a looming threat. They instinctively unite to confront a larger predator, a behavior termed "mobbing" by Nobel laureate Konrad Lorenz in 1966. These birds engage in a coordinated effort to drive the intruder away through aggressive tactics like dive-bombing and pecking.

This instinctual behavior showcases how a small collective can shift the power dynamics against a perceived danger. However, what unfolds when this instinct is misdirected, leading the group to turn on one of their own instead of defending them?

In my academic journey, I found myself ensnared in such a predicament.

Surrounded by colleagues who formed an alliance not for protection but for destruction, my dissertation on academic mobbing emerged from my struggle for survival in the workplace.

Delving into the existing literature and research, I realized that I was not merely documenting an abstract concept; I was articulating and confronting my lived reality.

Understanding Mobbing

Mobbing refers to bullying behaviors enacted by a group towards an individual. This creates a toxic environment that can severely impact mental well-being and derail professional trajectories. Unlike individual bullying, mobbing involves collective dynamics where an organization’s culture or leadership may either covertly support the behavior or participate directly.

My comprehensive literature review revealed that mobbing can lead to dire consequences, including mental health disorders, physical ailments, psychological distress, and even suicide. It can significantly hinder one’s career and contribute to professionals leaving their fields, as I ultimately did.

Through my research, I discovered a notable lack of awareness and academic examination of workplace mobbing in the U.S., which is less understood than traditional one-on-one bullying. Yet, it encapsulated the toxic behaviors I had experienced and observed more accurately than bullying ever could. I wrestled with the decision to tackle such a controversial and challenging subject.

Nevertheless, I felt an imperative to raise awareness and give voice to the painful experiences that many employees and advisors across the nation were also enduring.

A Challenging Journey Ahead

Selecting this topic was more than an academic endeavor; it was profoundly personal. It served as a therapeutic outlet for confronting and understanding the dysfunctional patterns that had plagued my two decades in academia.

Writing provided me with a sense of empowerment and relief, reinforcing that the issues I faced stemmed from a flawed system rather than from my own shortcomings. The more I researched, the better I was able to manage my situation and shed light on an overlooked problem in higher education.

I had transitioned to a newly created advising role in a department previously managed by graduate students in a shared space. I informed my supervisor that FERPA regulations necessitated privacy during advising sessions. After months of requests, I was finally relocated to a repurposed computer lab down the hall.

While it wasn’t ideal, it at least met privacy standards mandated by the U.S. Department of Education.

My next endeavor, addressing problematic registration issues, unexpectedly provoked the mobbing behaviors that ultimately inspired my dissertation focus.

Targeted and Scrutinized

The faculty established two primary tracks for students: a general and an advanced track. Unfortunately, no one accounted for how raising GPA requirements would reduce the number of eligible students for the advanced program. Low enrollment led the upper administration to scrutinize the program's viability.

The department head approached the Director, who alleged that my advising and teaching strategies were causing students to shy away from the advanced curriculum. They reported these suspicions to the administration, leading to an investigation against me—without my knowledge or prior dialogue.

The investigation ultimately revealed that the real issue was an introductory course, designed to weed out students, which was taught and coordinated by the Director. Advisors across the campus were already guiding students to avoid this course in their first year, often suggesting they take it at a community college instead.

Further findings indicated that most students opting out of the advanced curriculum were simply ineligible due to GPA requirements.

None of this had anything to do with my advising or my class. Nonetheless, my supervisor issued me a poor performance review, reprimanding me for my lack of rapport with the Director and attributing declining enrollment to my actions. Even the employee relations officer remained passive, instructing me to discuss the matter with my supervisor instead.

Being targeted by the department head and director, while facing scrutiny from higher-level management and receiving no support from the personnel office, exemplified the essence of mobbing. Fortunately, the college chose to address the actual problem rather than scapegoat me, which ultimately led to the Director being removed from his position and losing his authority in the department.

My supervisor never offered an apology, and our relationship remained strained until my departure. Throughout these trials, focusing on my academic work offered solace and direction. Identifying my experiences as mobbing—worse than bullying due to institutional backing—helped me cope. Lacking recourse and support from the organization, I eventually made the decision to leave on my terms.

Writing my dissertation not only provided comfort but empowered me to give a voice to those who suffered in silence. It transcended academic pursuit and became a pathway to healing and reform in a system that desperately required both. Shedding light on the truth validated my painful experiences within a system that sought to suppress them.

Confronting Challenges in Academia

My research on mobbing among academic advisors in the U.S. was groundbreaking, as few had ventured into this area. My survey achieved unprecedented response rates, with nearly 90% of the 1,233 professional advisors indicating they had encountered mobbing behaviors in the past six months, while 25% experienced such actions weekly.

The most alarming finding was that advisors who were dedicated to their roles, cared about their performance, and sought to showcase their abilities to colleagues were the ones most likely to be targeted.

Common acts reported by those affected included: - Withholding critical information impacting job performance - Being ignored or excluded from meetings and work activities - Facing an unmanageable workload - Having their opinions dismissed - Being assigned tasks beneath their skill level

Having endured all these behaviors and more, I cannot fully articulate the bittersweet sensation of receiving so many responses that confirmed my suspicions. I felt a mix of excitement over the validation from my research, sorrow for the many others who endured similar unacceptable treatment, and comfort in realizing I was not alone.

Researching and developing my dissertation invigorated me—providing something to look forward to each day. It rekindled my passion for writing and ultimately served as the catalyst for my career transition. It empowered me to confront an incredibly challenging and frustrating work environment and advocate for both myself and other advisors.

This experience was profoundly healing.

Each response I analyzed reaffirmed that many others shared the same sense of helplessness I had felt. This drove me to complete my doctorate and ignited a desire to effect change in my own life. No one should endure such treatment in the workplace.

Discovering Inner Strength

From this experience, I learned that when ensnared in a dysfunctional environment, finding an external focus—whether through creative projects, community engagement, or other passions—can be immensely grounding. It’s not merely distraction but the discovery of a new source of strength to carry you through until you’re ready to initiate change.

During my ordeal with mobbing, my PhD thesis evolved into more than an academic obligation; it became my purpose. It provided a channel for my frustrations to transform into something meaningful. For anyone trapped in a similar work situation, identifying an outlet can be crucial for survival and mental health, particularly in the short term.

However, being proactive during work hours is equally important to protect oneself and manage the situation until you determine your next steps.

Consider the following strategies: 1. Transform Emotional Energy: Engage in activities—be it research, creative hobbies, community involvement, or learning new skills. These pursuits can help divert your attention from negativity and enrich your life with positivity. 2. Document Everything: Maintain detailed records of every incident at work, including dates, times, and thorough descriptions. This documentation can serve as vital evidence if you need to formally address the issue or seek legal recourse. 3. Build Your Network: Establish a support system of like-minded individuals where you feel safe discussing your experiences. 4. Utilize Evidence: Leverage surveys and data to substantiate your performance if unjust allegations arise. 5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider legal advice or therapy to manage stress and anxiety. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

I had a trusted group of work friends with whom I confided, and they became my lifeline. I meticulously documented every incident in a separate notebook and recorded details on my home computer after work. I created surveys, monitored my emails and appointments, and quantified everything I could to present evidence of my performance.

Although it was emotionally taxing, having my research to focus on helped sustain me throughout the ordeal.

Rising Above and Moving Forward

Through the commitment demanded by my academic endeavors, I gained clarity not only regarding the issue of mobbing but also about my own situation. It became evident that leaving on my terms was not an act of retreat but rather the most significant decision I could make. After graduation, I eventually departed from the institution to pursue a new career, but I did so according to my timeline.

Unlike the birds acting out of fear, we possess the power to rise above mobbing or toxic environments—empowered and dignified, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.

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© 2024 Bette A. Ludwig: All rights reserved.

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