Abstract
Personality traits favored by situational factors may lead to destructive tendencies in a good leader. For example, CEOs such as Larry Page of Google, Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, and Elon Musk of Tesla have exhibited a shift from constructive to destructive leadership style due to situational or environmental factors. Destructive or dark leadership style is associated with personality traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. This chapter introduces the concept of personality disorders that might threaten the effectiveness of an individual as a leader. It will further discuss the factors that contribute to the development of destructive personalities and different types of destructive personalities. This chapter will identify the role of followers and environment that provide legitimacy for immoral actions. It will provide solutions to improve leadership practices to reduce toxicity in the work environment and create a positive workplace.
TopIntroduction
In the recent past, the corporate environment has become more dynamic and complex, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to take control of the situation and guide the team members to achieve the organizational goals. Visionary leaders like Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple Inc.), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Howard Schultz (Starbucks), and Jeff Bezos (Amazon.com) have successfully led their firms through substantial transitions for noteworthy accomplishments. Researchers typically emphasize the positive side of successful leaders and have underlined the ideal traits and behaviors of these leaders. However, recent studies have highlighted the destructive or dark side of leadership and its impact on followers and companies. The catastrophic failure of companies like WorldCom, Enron, and Lehman Bros., have highlighted the threats associated with dark leadership styles. Though some academics contend that leadership is by definition a positive force and that the idea of dark or negative leadership is an oxymoron.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Conscientiousness: Conscientiousness is a personality trait that refers to the tendency to be organized, reliable, and responsible. Individuals high in conscientiousness are often described as hardworking, dependable, and disciplined.
Dark Leadership: Dark leadership is a term used to describe leaders who engage in unethical or immoral behaviors. These behaviors can include manipulation, deceit, exploitation, and abuse of power. Dark leaders may also be characterized by a lack of empathy, a lack of accountability, and a tendency to prioritize their own interests over those of their followers or the organization they lead.
Hubris: Hubris is a term used to describe excessive pride or self-confidence, often accompanied by a lack of humility and a disregard for the consequences of one's actions. Hubris can manifest in various forms, and it is considered a negative trait as it can lead to poor judgment and negative outcomes.
Agreeableness: Agreeableness is a personality trait that refers to the tendency to be cooperative, empathetic, and compassionate. Individuals who are high in agreeableness tend to be friendly, kind, and considerate of others. They are also less likely to be critical or argumentative.
Extraversion: Extraversion is a personality trait that refers to the tendency to be outgoing, sociable, and assertive. Individuals who are high in extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic, and enjoy the company of others. Extraversion is also one of the five broad dimensions of personality in the “Big Five” personality theory.
Machiavellianism: Machiavellianism is a personality trait that is characterized by the use of manipulation and deceit to achieve one's goals. They tend to view other people as mere instruments to achieve their goals and lack empathy and moral principles.
Narcissism: Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by excessive self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a constant need for admiration and validation. Narcissistic individuals may have an inflated sense of their own abilities and accomplishments and may believe that they are special or unique.