Originally found at Medium

In this article, we’re going to discuss how leaders contribute to the toxic work environment and what can we do to fix it.

What causes toxic leadership?

In today’s workplace, leaders have a tremendous impact on the environment. Unfortunately, leaders can also create and maintain a toxic workplace if they lack the skills to lead their team effectively.

According to the article published in the journal of the Academy of Management Perspectives, Vol. 20, №1, The Good, the Bad, and the Misguided: How Managers Inadvertently Encourage Deviant Behaviors, Barrie E. Litzky, Kimberly A. Eddleston and Deborah L. Kidder found that even relatively modest levels of toxic behavior can cause major organizational cost, including client loss, loss of employee morale, increased turnover, and loss of legitimacy among important internal and external stakeholders.

Toxic workplaces are defined by unhealthy behaviors, such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. These behaviors can lead to a decrease in motivation, productivity, and morale, as well as an increase in stress, anxiety, and health issues.

In Alan Goldman’s book, Transforming Toxic Leaders, he points out that toxicity is a fact of corporate life. Toxic leaders are often the result of a complex combination of personal and organizational issues. Understanding the root cause of the toxic behavior is essential to resolving the problems.

Continue reading the original article at Medium.

Read the original research in Academy of Management Perspectives.

Learn more about the AOM Scholars and explore their work:

• Barrie E. Litzky, Pennsylvania State University
• Kimberly A. Eddleston, Northeastern University
• Deborah L. Kidder, Towson University