Sometimes, workplace frustrations can build up to the point where employees feel overwhelmed and powerless. In these instances, it is not uncommon for individuals to vent their frustrations in passive-aggressive or non-confrontational ways. One such method is the use of an "employer voodoo doll." An employer voodoo doll is a symbolic representation of a person's employer, often crafted and customized by the employee themselves. It is typically made using materials like fabric or clay, and may include personal touches like the employer's name or a picture. The doll serves as a means for individuals to channel their negative feelings and alleviate some of the stress associated with workplace frustrations.
At the time, we were looking for a way to experimentally manipulate retaliation to uncover the function of retaliation following abusive supervision. We thought the voodoo doll paradigm could be a convenient tool for us to manipulate the basic psychological process — retaliation, without actually harming anyone.
We thought the voodoo doll paradigm could be a convenient tool for us to manipulate the basic psychological process retaliation, without actually harming anyone. My main research area is leadership in particular, dysfunctional leader behaviors, or abusive supervision, such as humiliating and ridiculing employees.
The doll serves as a means for individuals to channel their negative feelings and alleviate some of the stress associated with workplace frustrations. The act of using an employer voodoo doll is often seen as a cathartic release for employees, allowing them to express their dissatisfaction in a non-harmful manner. By channeling their negative emotions towards the doll, employees may feel a temporary sense of relief or empowerment.
Voodoo Dolls of Your Boss Could Improve Productivity
[March 4th-10th, 2018] This week a woman finds a 131-year-old message in a bottle, a four-eared kitten finds a home, and voodoo dolls emerge as a workplace solution to stress relief.
Four-Eared Kitten
A kitten with an unusual four ears has found its forever home in Australia. A cat fosterer and employee at the Feeling Animal Welfare Society decided to take Frankie—short for Frankenstein—home permanently. The poor kitty was found with a severe eye infection but is now receiving proper care.
Cheesed Off
England, well known for its love of cheese, held the Big Cheese Festival this past weekend. The festival featured local bands and “cheesy DJs,” but committed a grievous sin. They ran out of cheese. Especially upsetting after we cleared cheese from causing nightmares just days before.
Alexa’s Creepy Laugh
While Amazon Alexa users like to start their morning with a flash briefing, like Ripley’s Weird Minute, they apparently don’t like when the chatbot decides to laugh at them with a creepy unprovoked giggle. Some users didn’t realize the ominous laughter was coming from the smart speaker, fearing home invasion or haunting. Amazon claims it’s a bug and is working to de-chuckle Alexa.
Oldest Message In a Bottle Found
On June 12, 1886, a German ship cut through the waves of the Indian Ocean. The captain of the ship decided to chuck a gin bottle into the sea, with a note containing the date and ship’s coordinates. An Australian woman walking on the beach 131 years later found the note and bottle. Believe it or not, the bottle wasn’t just a flight of fancy but was part of a German study of ocean currents.
Voodoo Dolls Improve Productivity
According to a study conducted by Wilfrid Laurier University, workers punishing voodoo dolls of their bosses can help relieve stress and improve the quality of their work. A group of 229 workers were encouraged to create effigies of their bosses and stick the dolls with pins, burn them with candles, and pinch them with pliers. Participants reported an increase in their sense of justice in the workplace after engaging in “symbolic retaliation.”
Why do you think it works?
Simply put, after employees inserted needles into the voodoo doll, they felt like they’d retaliated against their boss, that they’d got even. [It] serves as proxy for retaliation. Our theory is that it serves the function of restoring employee justice perceptions.
It is important to note, however, that this practice should be seen as a harmless coping mechanism, rather than a solution to resolving workplace issues. While the idea of an employer voodoo doll may appear light-hearted or comical, it is essential to recognize that workplace frustrations should be addressed through open and constructive communication. It is crucial for individuals to find healthier and more direct ways to express their concerns and work towards finding solutions, rather than relying on the symbolism of a voodoo doll. In summary, an employer voodoo doll is a symbolic representation of an individual's employer. While using such a doll may offer a temporary sense of relief, it is important to address workplace frustrations through open and constructive communication. Ultimately, finding healthier ways to express concerns and work towards resolutions is a more effective approach to improving the work environment..
Reviews for "Unlocking Prosperity: Attracting Abundance with the Employer Voodoo Doll"
1. Melissa - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Employer voodoo doll". It looks nothing like the picture advertised on the website. The material feels cheap and the stitching is already starting to come undone. It doesn't even resemble an employer! Overall, a complete waste of money.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the "Employer voodoo doll" as I've had some really frustrating experiences with my boss lately. However, the doll did not live up to my expectations. It was much smaller than I thought it would be, making it difficult to actually stick pins in it. Additionally, the pins included were flimsy and would bend easily. I found the whole concept to be quite silly and not helpful in relieving any stress. I would not recommend this product.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I bought the "Employer voodoo doll" thinking it would be a fun and humorous way to vent my frustrations about my manager. Unfortunately, it fell short of being entertaining. The doll looks very generic and doesn't resemble anyone in particular. The material used is not very durable, and after just a couple of uses, it started falling apart. It's a novelty item that might provide a chuckle for a minute, but it's certainly not worth the price. I expected a higher quality product.