How to Understand Horizontal Hostility

When people in the same group act badly toward their peers, even though they all want the same things, this is called horizontal hostility. Imagine that coworkers who are all fighting for the same promotions or praise are sneakily hurting each other or leaving each other out. This behaviour not only makes the team less cohesive, but it also makes people angry and suspicious of each other.

Figuring out what caused the problem

To deal with horizontal hostility successfully, it's important to know what causes it. This usually happens because of how power works in the group. People may feel the need to show that they are in charge or keep others under control, which can lead to interactions that are dysfunctionally competitive and  over-aggressive. Also, social norms and systemic inequality can make these problems worse, keeping the cycle of exclusion and division going.

Tips for Getting Past Horizontal Hostility

Horizontal hostility needs to be dealt with in a number of ways, including raising understanding, communicating, and taking action. Take a look at these strategies:

Recognise the Problem: Recognising that horizontal hostility exists in the workplace is the first thing that needs to be done to stop it. When there is competition, insecurity, or a lack of responsibility in the workplace, it can make people hostile toward each other. By recognising and fixing these culture flaws, we can make the workplace a better place for everyone.

How to Understand Horizontal Hostility

How to Understand Horizontal Hostility

Adopting a Comprehensive Approach: Management plays a crucial role in promoting a culture of cooperation and addressing instances of horizontal hostility. By adopting a continuous, consistent, and integrated approach, leaders can set the tone for respectful communication and collaboration. This involves fostering open dialogue, setting clear expectations, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Instituting Safe Mechanisms for Addressing Issues: it's crucial to institute mechanisms that enable and allow staff members to safely address issues of horizontal hostility. This may include confidential reporting systems, mediation services, or dedicated HR support. Creating a safe space for individuals to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation is essential for fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

Promoting Desired Workplace Culture Attributes: To reinforce our commitment to a positive workplace culture, we can produce a statement outlining desired attributes, values, and behaviours. Displaying this statement prominently throughout the institution serves as a constant reminder of our collective aspirations and expectations.

Encourage Dialogue:Encouraging open dialogue and communication among all staff members creates a culture of transparency and mutual respect. By fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing challenging topics, we can address issues of horizontal hostility head-on and work towards a more harmonious workplace.

Providing Education & Training: Education is key to combating horizontal hostility effectively. Providing regular training and resources for all staff members on the subject of horizontal hostility can increase awareness and equip employees with the tools to address it. In our ‘Managing Difficult Conversations Training’ our psychologists will give you the skills to resolve conflicts and the tools to deal with  horizontal hostility in a healthy way.

By using these strategies, businesses can successfully deal with horizontal hostility and make workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. We can build stronger, more resilient teams that can succeed as a whole by encouraging an attitude of respect and teamwork.

Check out our latest video on reducing horizontal hostility as an individual:

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