Toxic leadership in defense and federal workplaces: sabotaging the mission and innovation
International Journal of Public Leadership
ISSN: 2056-4929
Article publication date: 29 June 2018
Issue publication date: 2 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Military officers and government officials have a duty to serve selflessly, without personal bias or favoritism, demonstrating effectiveness and the efficient use of resources for the safety, security and thriving of the people. However, some abuse subordinates for personal or professional gain. The purpose of this paper is to discuss toxic leadership, its cost, effects and impact and provides recommendations for prevention and intervention.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on survey research of a convenience sample of military and federal government students at the National Defense University, the paper does not allow for generalizability, but presents patterns and trends in descriptive statistics.
Findings
The sample of 186 reported an average of 2.9 toxic leaders in an average of 18.3 years of service. Student observations of the most toxic leader they served identified high prevalence of all toxic behaviors with the most prevalent being a lack of self-awareness, a negative interpersonal style, suspicion of others, passive hostility, defensiveness, refusal to allow dissent and shaming and blaming. The frequency and degree of impact on targets, witnesses, and teams of toxic leadership were significant, especially in avoidance, worry, and decreased contribution, motivation and productivity.
Practical implications
These results indicate that toxic leadership degrades military performance and readiness and government efficiency. Organizations can effectively address toxic leadership through purposeful, cultural reinforcement and leader development, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
Originality/value
Although civilian and public research exists, this is the first and only such research in the military and federal government and lays a foundation for further study of these organizations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this paper are those of the author and are not an official policy or position of the National Defense University, the Department of Defense or the US Government. The author expresses appreciation to Dr B.J. Miller, Ryan Jungdahl and Tom Dimieri for their statistical support for this survey and report.
Citation
Williams, K.R. (2018), "Toxic leadership in defense and federal workplaces: sabotaging the mission and innovation", International Journal of Public Leadership, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 179-198. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPL-04-2018-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited