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Article
Managing Toxic Leaders: Dysfunctional Patterns in Organizational Leadership and How to Deal with Them
Human Resource Management (HRM) (2011)
  • Marco Tavanti, DePaul University
Abstract
This study reviews different typologies of toxic leaders in organizations-from bullies to narcissistic leaders. Unfortunately, toxic leaders are a painful but common reality in many organizations. Their destructive behaviors and dysfunctional personal characteristics often generate enduring poisonous effects on those they lead. They are identified by selfish outcomes in their decision-making and how they leave subordinates worse off than when they began. What distinguishes excellent from average managers is their ability to effectively manage dysfunctional leaders in the workplace. Even though some organizations may promote or simply tolerate toxic leaders for economic or political reasons, the long-term impact on the company's mission and reputation is often underestimated. The author suggests some effective coping strategies to identify, address, and transform toxic leaders and workplaces
Keywords
  • Disfunctional,
  • Leadership,
  • Toxic,
  • HR,
  • Ethics
Publication Date
June, 2011
Citation Information
Marco Tavanti. "Managing Toxic Leaders: Dysfunctional Patterns in Organizational Leadership and How to Deal with Them" Human Resource Management (HRM) Vol. 6 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marcotavanti/32/