The dynamic of “Scapegoating”: mobbing, bullying and casting out

Background: The group dynamics called 'scapegoat' is quite common above all among working groups. Objectives: Within the broader dynamics of 'mobbing' and 'bossing' it consists in isolating the weaker member of a group, exposing him/her to persistent criticism and marginalization and eventually expelling him/her from the group. Methods: Studies brought out the fact that the groups where 'scapegoats' can more easily be noted are the ones that the psychologist W.Bion judges distinguished by 'the assumption of the fight'. Results: For a better functioning of a working group leader should constantly monitor the state of tension also deep and unconscious that cross the group in order to avoid that it is generated within this phenomenon. Conclusions: The leader who proposes to avoid the emergence of this phenomenon must be able to master and use in the manner best techniques and tools of relational communication and inter-group.