Although grudges have not been the subject of major research, "information is emerging that, basically, people who are more neurotic end up having more conflicts and grudges," says Ronald Burke, a professor specializing in human resource management and organizational behaviour at York University's Schulich School of Business, wrote The Globe and Mail Jan. 18.
Conversely, the type of people who might be a target for grudges would include those who are considered arrogant, have an inflated picture of themselves, make unilateral decisions, or are highly demanding. If in a position of authority, they may "want everyone else to walk on water," which makes some of their followers "feel hard done by," Burke says.
If the grudge is a quiet, personal affair between two people that isn't otherwise hurting workplace morale, it should stay private, Burke says. Perhaps one of the individuals involved will want to confide in a close friend, but it doesn't have to spread professionally where it can cause negative vibes, he says.
On air
- Amanda Canavan , a third-year student at York, spoke about a DNA alarm product that she is marketing, on Toronto’s CFRB radio Jan. 17.
- Shin Imai, professor in York’s Osgoode Hall Law School, spoke about a land claim action by the Haudenosaunee First Nation, near Kitchener, on CBC Radio (Toronto) Jan. 17.