Which is an example of a subtle act of horizontal violence?

• A. Publicly belittling a colleague in a meeting.
• B. Withholding information from a colleague.
• C. Completing a task without asking for help.
• D. Offering constructive feedback in private.

Answer: (B)

Horizontal violence among colleagues often hides in everyday, quiet actions rather than loud confrontations. Withholding information from a coworker is a subtle way to undermine someone’s ability to do their job. By not sharing critical updates, context, or resources, it erodes trust, creates unnecessary delays, and makes the recipient feel isolated or blamed, all without open aggression. This kind of behavior can quietly sabotage teamwork and patient safety because important details aren’t flowing where they’re needed.

In contrast, publicly belittling a colleague in a meeting is an overt, explicit form of aggression that is clearly hostile. Completing a task without asking for help isn’t inherently hostile and might reflect independence or poor collaboration but doesn’t target or undermine a specific colleague. Offering constructive feedback in private is professional and supportive, aimed at improvement rather than damage.

So, withholding information from a colleague fits the pattern of a subtle act of horizontal violence because it quietly undermines a peer’s work and standing without overt confrontation.