Bassman, E. S.
(1992).
Abuse in the Workplace: Management Remedies and Bottom Line Impact.
"Abused employees are in a catch-22 situation. Their harassers are in a position to control a variety of resources, which makes abused employees similar to other victims of abuse. But unlike other victims, they have an added disadvantage. By virtue of their subordinate position, they automatically have less credibility than their supervisors. Charging that they are being treated unfairly by their supervisors would challenge the context of the hierarchical system, which is a very threatening proposition to those who are in a position to help. Even if they succeed in proving an accusation of abuse, abused employees will have identified themselves as whistleblowers, which will undoubtedly cause other potential bosses to question the wisdom of having them as subordinates. If an employee succeeds in winning a fairness dispute with his or her boss, the result is likely to be severely limited career growth within the organization. What has been won?" (p. 48)