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The Domino Effect of Bully Leaders

10/7/2014

6 Comments

 
Picture
The pernicious effects of a bullying boss can replicate like a virus, says a new study in The Journal of Social Psychology (http://bit.ly/1C1qlQh). Abusive bosses not only demoralize employees in their direct line of fire, but also demoralize the co-workers of those they mistreat. 

The study, which examined 233 workers, looked at the effects of second-hand or “vicarious” abuse--the impact of simply hearing rumors about how badly a boss treated a colleague.  Results revealed that both personally experienced and vicarious abuse had negative impacts. Second-hand abuse, like firsthand, lowers employees’ effectiveness as well as their opinion of the organization as a whole. “When vicarious abusive supervision is present,” the authors write, “employees realize that the organization is allowing this negative treatment to exist, even if they are not experiencing it directly.” What leaders permit, they promote.

We agree with the study’s authors, who recommend that managers take a close look at the impact of their styles and the ripple effects of those styles throughout their organizations. Toxicity starts at the top, but then—unfortunately—takes on a life of its own.

We want to hear. Have you been impacted by abusive firsthand or “second-hand” supervision? How does it affect you and your organization’s culture? Join the conversation and click "comments" on our Community of Practice Forum.

6 Comments
Ronda T
10/7/2014 02:23:04 am

It has affected me mentally and unfortunately physically based on the continual stress associated with it. It's very hard to maintain motivation and productivity. If you're not careful it can result in one becoming a bitter, angry employee/person.

Reply
Sally Rash
10/7/2014 02:26:05 am

"An organization seldom rises above its leader."

Reply
Janelle
10/7/2014 04:06:03 am

Too bad the article link only opens to the first paragraph. 'Might have been interesting; as I am going through this presently.

Reply
ann
10/7/2014 08:48:24 am

Thank you for raising this vitally important and unfortunately all too familiar issue. Where I work, this dynamic has become more and more severe since the Recession, and no one wants to take on the bullying for fear of falling out of favor with high-status individuals. This is an educational environment and the faculty bullies do not realize that they are actually ultimately hammering in the nails of their own professional coffins, via the bullying of their colleagues. They don't see that the entire institution suffers as they try to boost their class enrollments via bullying of faculty in other departments. A sad state for an educational environment.

Reply
Janelle Mummey
10/8/2014 07:46:55 am

This looks like a very interesting journal article. While I can only access the abstract, the premise rings true. I have seen this a few times. The toxicity can flow through the entire organization like a cancer. All those I have known in these situations are much better off after leaving, even if it means taking a financial hit. It is impossible to stay motivated or productive under such circumstances.

Reply
susan
10/8/2014 08:22:00 am

Thank you Ronda, Sally, Janelle, and Ann. We deeply appreciate your insights on this important issue. Sadly, the impact of vicarious bullying is pernicious -- as three of you have attested. Perhaps shining a spotlight on it will give voice to more people. Thank you for checking in.

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