Abstract
Background and Aim: Workplace bullying remains a persistent concern within the health sector, disproportionately affecting migrant workers who may face intersecting structural, cultural and (inter)personal vulnerabilities. While existing research has documented the prevalence and impacts of bullying in healthcare settings, limited attention has been paid on how migrant targets of workplace bullying respond to the behaviour. In addition, it is unclear how bystanders respond to workplace bullying of migrants. Examining these actors’ perspectives is highly relevant; as they are physically and emotionally affected by workplace bullying, it is crucial to gain insight into their lived experiences of navigating these complex situations. This qualitative research will investigate how migrant targets and their bystanders respond to their experiences and witnessing of workplace bullying in the health sector.
Methodology: Approximately sixty participants, comprising about thirty migrant targets and thirty bystanders, will be recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. The semi-structured interviews will be designed using a trauma-informed approach to ensure psychological safety. Utilising the critical realist philosophy, the interview will be analysed using hybrid approach to thematic analysis integrating inductive, deductive, abductive and retroductive processes.
Result: The research will explore structural, cultural, and agentic factors shaping responses to bullying, and provide a rich and holistic understanding of resistance among migrant targets and bystanders.
Implications: Theoretically, this study will contribute to the literature by foregrounding migrant status as a critical dimension in understanding workplace bullying and bystander responses. Practically, the findings aim to inform health sector policies, anti-bullying interventions, and training programmes by highlighting culturally responsive strategies to support migrant workers and empower bystanders. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to safer, more inclusive workplaces by amplifying migrant voices and identifying pathways for meaningful organisational change.