The research project starts from the observation that there exist a lot more reports of bullying at the work place in the public sector compared to the private sector. This seems to imply that the public sector is particularly sensitive for such an elements. The question is whether the distinct legal context could be a reason for this difference. The hypothesis is that such is the case. 

The aim is to start researching this hypothesis and to analyse to what extent the current legal context is adapted to the different setting in the public and the private sector. An internal comparison between the public and private shall therefore be undertaken. 

The comparison shall also include some other countries. One shall point at the Netherlands, France and Germany to underpin (or not) the research findings.