The survey material was collected during the period of 15–29 March 2021. The questionnaire was completed by a total of 7,333 respondents, who are members of the following Akava affiliates:
- Akava Special Branches
- Union of Church Professionals AKI
- Trade Union Ava
- Union of Professional Engineers in Finland
- Trade Union of Education OAJ
- Finnish Union of University Professors
- Talentia Union of Professional Social Workers
- Association of Finnish Lawyers
- Finnish Police Federation SPJL
- Finnish Association of Public Health Nurses
- Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK
- Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers
- Professionals of Business and Technology
- Social Science Professionals
Summary of results
The majority of the respondents to the questionnaire reacted positively to the idea of criminalising targeting and shaming. A total of 74% of those who had been subjected to targeting and shaming within their job and 70% of other respondents supported the idea of criminalisation. Fewer than 10% reacted negatively to the idea of criminalisation.
The most common form of targeting and shaming was the spreading of inaccurate information about the respondent.
Of those who had been subjected to targeting or shaming:
- 62% stated that inaccurate information about them had been spread
- 41% experienced an attempt by another person to inappropriately influence their work-related activities
- 36% had been pressured or intimidated by someone outside their work community
- 31% stated that personal information about them had been spread
- 29% stated that others had been incited to threaten or pressure the respondent or to spread personal or inaccurate information about the respondent
- 26% had received threats from outside of their work community
- 12% had been an indirect victim of targeting or shaming.