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Researchers say a “significant” link has been found between abusive leaders and abusive peers. This harmful trend exists where aggressive bosses create a toxic atmosphere in a workplace rife with insecurity and burnout.
The authors of the study point to a “reciprocal relationship” between bosses and junior staff, where bullied employees feel that the only way to get ahead is to abuse others. As a result, a toxic atmosphere of increased competition is created. Inappropriate language, sexual harassment, outbursts, humiliation, and abuse of power were all examples of hostile behavior.
For the study, the team surveyed 323 workers across the UK, Pakistan, China and the US. They report that 68% of workers who experienced hostile behavior from a superior then witnessed interpersonal aggression within the general workforce. Horrible bosses were also linked to workers dealing with emotional exhaustion and lack of Job security.
Researchers suggest that abuse by colleagues can damage employees’ confidence in their jobs.
Of the group who experienced hostility from a leader, 35 percent say they have suffered abusive behavior from colleagues themselves. More than half (52 percent) faced emotional exhaustion, and a whopping 77 percent were worried about job security.
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Co-author Dr. Nadeem Khalid, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship and strategy at the university, says the damage caused to employees by bully bosses is clear and can continue throughout the workplace. He argues that this has also not been an effective strategy, noting that previous research shows that hostility discourages commitment from staff towards work place.
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