What Does Dignity Really Mean?

Sue Corbett

Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining

the individual’s right to dignity at work.

Dignity at Work Charter

We_________________________commit ourselves to working togetherto maintain a workplace environment that

encourages & supports the right to dignity at work.

Code of Practice:

All employees have the right to be treated

with dignity & respect at work

The dictionary…

Dignity:

- the state or quality of being worthy of esteemor respect

- a sense of pride in oneself

Respect

- a feeling of admiration for someone because of their qualities or achievements

- due regard for the feelings, needs or rights of others

Self-actualisationto develop one’s full potential

Esteem Needsto have self-confidence & self respect

Social Needsto belong

Safety Needsto feel safe, secure & protected

Physiological Needsto have food, water, air, shelter…

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Basic Needs for Human Dignity

Maslow

Positive School Climate

Exists when all students feel comfortable, safe, secure, accepted, cared for, valued & stretched in the school environment.

Social/EmotionalEnvironment

LearningEnvironment

PhysicalEnvironment

Social/EmotionalEnvironment

LearningEnvironment

PhysicalEnvironment

•All students are & feel accepted& welcomed

•Positive behaviour modelled by staff

•Everyone treated withdignity & respect

•Wellness is fostered inall students

•Responsibility is developedin all students

•Differences are recognised,respected & appreciated

•Parents & community members welcomed

•Parents are meaningfullyinvolved

•High & appropriate expectations in place for all

•Learning is seen as interesting, relevant & important

•All students expected tolearn & grow based on individual ability & skill levels

•Procedures in place to address individual learningneeds

•Positive/constructive approach to managing problem behaviour

•Continuous professionaldevelopment for teachers

•Parents & teachers workcollaboratively

•Positive & optimistic approach to learning

•The school is perceived asinviting – a place studentswant to come to

•The school is well maintained & repaired as necessary

•The school is physicallyaccessible to all

•The physical systems of theschool are in good order

•Appropriate signage

•The area around the schoolis well maintained

•School equipment is inspected & maintained

•Speciality rooms are available & well equipped

Model, promote & foster

INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE:

Social/Emotional Environment

Interpersonallyincompetent (toxic)

behaviours

Results in:alienation, conflict, animosity, ill-health

People feel:stressed, devalued, inadequate, angry, frustrated, guilty…

Interpersonallycompetent (nourishing)

behaviours

Results in:empathy, understanding, co-operation,well-being

People feel:valued, capable,respected, appreciated…

Interpersonal Competence:

- self-awareness

- emotional & social intelligence

- communication skills

- conflict management skills

- positive orientation towards change

- co-operation

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi