[Dysfunctional workplace organization and mobbing. 4 representative cases].

Background: Stress and psychological harassment at work are increasing worldwide, according to International Agencies (European Community, NIOSH) and to most authors.

Objectives: To describe typical working situations responsible for distress and mobbing, with the aim of early diagnosis and effectiveness of therapy and rehabilitation.

Methods: Four cases are reported as representative of dysfunctional organization producing distress and pathology or inducing mobbing behavior or mobbing without clear organization responsibilities.

Conclusions: In all cases dysfunctional organization appeared to have played a significant role even though not always a direct one. Also, common characteristics were highlighted in the three cases where mobbing was recognized.