Shadows on the ivory tower: the unseen scars of academic bullying in South Asia

Abstract

Purpose Workplace bullying (WB) is increasingly recognised in academic literature. This study aims to investigate the relationship between WB and turnover intentions among academics in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, focusing on the mediating role of supervisor support (SS). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 346 academics using simple random sampling. Structural equation modelling using Smart PLS was used to test the hypothesised relationships. Findings This study reveals a strong positive relationship between WB and employee turnover intention, indicating that academics subjected to bullying are more likely to consider leaving their institutions. Furthermore, SS significantly mediates this relationship, emphasising its role in mitigating the adverse effects of bullying. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional nature of this study limits the ability to capture long-term dynamics. Future research should incorporate longitudinal or qualitative approaches to explore additional mediating or moderating factors. Originality/value This research fills a critical gap in the literature by focusing on the underexplored Sri Lankan higher education sector, which has received limited scholarly attention. In contrast to prior research that focused on developed nations and other industries, this study provides new insights into the types and impacts of WB in academic institutions. It also underscores the value of SS and offers practical recommendations for creating supportive and retention-friendly work environments.