What are some subtle acts of horizontal violence?

• A. Aggressive public rebukes and shouting.
• B. Belittling, withholding information, or excluding a colleague from activities.
• C. Formal disciplinary actions documented in personnel files.
• D. Confronting the colleague with direct feedback in private.

Answer: (B)

Horizontal violence from peers shows up as covert behaviors that undermine a colleague rather than explicit, public aggression. Belittling, withholding information, or excluding a coworker from activities are classic examples because they quietly erode a person’s confidence and disrupt team functioning without obvious confrontation. These subtle acts create a hostile work environment and can jeopardize patient care by undermining collaboration and trust. In contrast, overt public rebukes, formal disciplinary actions, or privately delivered feedback aimed at improvement reflect different dynamics: the first is direct aggression, the second is administrative, and the third can be constructive and professional if done appropriately. Recognizing these quiet, ongoing forms of peer harm is key to addressing workplace civility and supporting colleagues.