Abstract

Professional jealousy and backbiting in workplace are social diseases capable of distorting the workplace ecosystem as well as igniting the flame of conflict in interpersonal relationships. They are undesirable, malicious, and shameful behavioural attributes that negatively on friendship, relationships among colleagues, and employers, as well as making the work environment unsafe. In our contemporary society today, jealousy and backbiting are poisons which mar teamwork and success. There are instances where individuals had to resign their appointments, while some lives have been lost owing to professional jealousy and backbiting such people suffered in their workplaces. However, the irony of it is that the individual who is jealous or backbites against his or her colleague suffers as much as the attacked. A recent study found that negative gossip, which is backbiting fueled by jealousy, has a debilitating effect on emotional and mental health. Depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, anxiety and other related issues can result owing to them. Thus, this paper examines the drivers of professional jealousy and backbiting, types of jealousy, consequences, psychology of jealousy and backbiting, tricycle of jealousy and backbiting among others. Implications for mental health Counseling was also highlighted.