POWER HARASSMENT IN TEACHING ENVIRONMENTS: SHEDDING LIGHT ON FACULTY DYNAMICS

This paper explores power harassment in teaching environments, focusing on its various manifestations, including verbal abuse, authority exploitation, and hostile work environments. It highlights how power differentials in academic hierarchies can exacerbate the prevalence and impact of harassment, perpetuating unequal power dynamics and undermining educators' well-being. The paper also discusses the broader consequences of power harassment on faculty members, academic departments, and the educational community, including job satisfaction, mental health, professional development, and retention of talented educators. It also highlights how power harassment can hinder collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence. Key factors contributing to power harassment in teaching environments include institutional cultures, gender dynamics, and lack of effective reporting and accountability mechanisms. The paper proposes strategies and interventions to address power harassment, including awareness-raising campaigns, policy reforms, bystander intervention training, confidential reporting mechanisms, and leadership development programs promoting ethical conduct, conflict resolution skills, and respectful workplace cultures. In conclusion, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of power dynamics within educational institutions and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to combat power harassment. By shedding light on faculty dynamics and advocating for systemic change, it aims to foster a more equitable and supportive environment for all members of the teaching community.