Scapegoating

Many workplace environments shift attention to and consolidate blame to one individual – known as the scapegoat or “fall guy”. A scapegoat can be someone new to the office or even a veteran. Scapegoating can be used to keep upper management happy, intimidate workers via control, or to direct attention away from themselves and their own responsibilities. Scapegoating can be done directly or indirectly by creating an environment where employees will pass the blame amongst themselves.

Sometimes a supervisor accidentally promotes an employee as scapegoat. This target of blame can happen quickly or over a period of time.

Coworkers Promoting Scapegoats

Fellow coworkers can decide on who will take the fall by using the employee to test management. For example, when a new procedure is being implemented, the scapegoat may be harassed or coerced into being the first to follow the new policy.

This kind of treatment can be done at all levels of an organization. It can be difficult helping other employees to understand the victim's situation and ultimately regain respect within the workplace. If fellow employees experience the same kind of rejection and isolation themselves from upper management, they are just as likely to be willing to congregate with others in the same situation.

Alienation in the workplace can lead to job, personal, and financial stress and can take years of emotional therapy to overcome.

Contact Us

If you have ever been taken advantage of, or have been used as a scapegoat for the advancement of someone else in the workplace, contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group at 713-482-6910 and speak with an attorney today.