Bullying by email

The article by Alison Utley on abusive emails (THES, May 30) suggests that this ground-breaking survey - the first to ever explore the incidence of electronic bullying, or workplace bullying via electronic mail - was released by Staffordshire University. In fact, the research was commissioned by this firm, and conducted by Ronin Research, an independent market research company.

Novell commissioned this survey in order to identify the scale of the problem and costs to both individuals and organisations. The shocking finding that over 50 per cent of people are receiving abusive emails shows clearly that the problem is very serious indeed and that organisations need to take serious steps to guard against it.

Novell recommends that organisations establish electronic communications policies to promote best email practice as well as a formal channel of complaint when those policies are breached. For our part as a responsible software provider, we will also be looking at ways to further improve the design of our email product GroupWise to help alleviate the problems which this survey highlights.

The research was launched last week at a workplace bullying conference held at Staffordshire University which also coincided with the launch of the Andrea Adams Trust, the first national workplace bullying charity. Proceeds from sales of the report (priced Pounds 40) will be donated to the trust. Reports can be ordered from Firefly Communications (0171 381 4505).

Andrew Sadler-Smith

Deputy managing director Novell UK and Ireland