Workplace harassment is increasingly discussed thanks to brave survivor stories, a vital shift as it can devastate victims' mental and physical health. While stereotypes often paint the harasser as a misogynistic male boss, reality is more nuanced. A recent study reveals a lesser-known issue: women harassing other women at work.
Published in the journal Development and Learning in Organisations, research from Tech Women Today shows that 70% of female executives have experienced harassment from a female colleague, stalling their career advancement. London consultant Cecilia Harvey, a study contributor and survivor, calls it "the main obstacle to women's progress at work." This is a critical concern for organizations.
This phenomenon, known as 'Queen Bee Syndrome,' describes senior women who undermine female peers through daily belittling or manipulative tactics that portray them as incompetent. The study finds queen bees make up 58% of workplace harassers, targeting women in 90% of cases. Harvey notes these behaviors harm company productivity, profitability, and employee morale. "Leadership teams need a realistic view of women who act aggressively or exploit victimhood narratives," she urges. "To boost female executives, address the queen bee problem head-on." Have you encountered this dynamic in your workplace?
