Short Answer 
Abusive conduct refers to severe, egregious, or repeated behavior directed at a specific individual, including threats, humiliation, or work sabotage. It is important to distinguish abusive conduct from harassment, as harassment is a legal term tied to unwanted sexual advances that impact the work environment, while abusive conduct encompasses a broader range of negative actions.
Step 1: Understand the Definition of Abusive Conduct
Abusive conduct is defined as behavior that is either severe, egregious, or repeated. It is characterized by actions that are aimed at a specific individual, rather than being general. This type of conduct can manifest in various harmful ways, including:
- Threatening someone’s safety or wellbeing
- Humiliating an individual in front of others
- Sabotaging a person’s work performance
Step 2: Recognize Key Characteristics
For behavior to qualify as abusive, it is vital to identify its key characteristics. The behavior does not require a formal complaint to be deemed abusive. It must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being severe and egregious, or happening repeatedly
- Being directed at a specific person rather than a general target
- Involving actions that are threatening, humiliating, or that deliberately sabotage a person’s work
Step 3: Distinguish Between Abusive Conduct and Harassment
It is essential to differentiate abusive conduct from harassment, as they are not the same. While both involve negative behaviors, harassment is a legal term commonly associated with unwelcome sexual advances and can also affect a person’s work environment. Understanding this distinction is critical in addressing and reporting concerning behaviors effectively.