Sage Publications

Destructive Leadership in the Workplace and Its Consequences

Sage Publications

Destructive Leadership in the Workplace and Its Consequences

Sage Instructors

Instructor: Sage Instructors

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify key antecedents and consequences of destructive leadership in workplaces.

  • Apply diagnostic tools to assess leadership behavior and organizational culture.

  • Implement practical interventions to mitigate destructive leadership effects.

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Recently updated!

July 2026

Assessments

11 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 14 modules in this course

This module explores the concept of destructive leadership, examining its various forms such as abusive supervision and toxic leadership. Learners will gain foundational knowledge about the characteristics and impact of negative leadership behaviors in organizational settings.

What's included

1 reading

This module explores the complex phenomenon of destructive leadership, examining its psychological impacts, the role of dark triad personality traits, and the organizational and legal challenges it presents. Learners will gain insights into recognizing destructive behaviors, understanding their enablers, and evaluating effective response strategies for organizations.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to destructive leadership, focusing on dark side personality traits, the desire for independence, and the role of self-regulation. Learners will gain insights into trait activation theory and practical strategies for leadership development.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the far-reaching consequences of destructive leadership on individuals, teams, and organizations. Learners will investigate how negative leadership behaviors affect workplace culture, employee wellbeing, team dynamics, and even family life. Practical insights are provided to help recognize and address these detrimental impacts.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores how variations in organisational culture can foster or inhibit destructive leadership behaviors. Learners will investigate the influence of cultural heterogeneity, leadership styles, and ethical systems on workplace toxicity. By understanding these dynamics, participants will be better equipped to recognize and address harmful environments.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the dynamics of employee and organisational silence, particularly in the context of destructive leadership and national culture. Learners will examine the causes and consequences of silence, including fear of retaliation and cultural norms, and investigate strategies to encourage open communication and ethical leadership.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the multifaceted impact of destructive leadership on employees, including emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. Learners will examine how individuals and their co-workers respond to harmful leadership behaviors and discover practical strategies for mitigating negative effects in the workplace.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores how individuals respond to destructive leadership, highlighting both effective and ineffective coping strategies. Learners will examine the importance of social support and the development of resiliency to mitigate negative workplace outcomes. By the end, participants will understand key frameworks for coping and how to foster resilience in challenging environments.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores methods for diagnosing and addressing destructive leadership within organizations. Learners will examine assessment tools such as 360-degree feedback and review organizational strategies and legal responsibilities for promoting employee wellbeing. Practical interventions and preventative measures are discussed to help create healthier workplace environments.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores how leadership development programmes can enhance self-awareness, self-management, and ethical leadership practices. Learners will examine evidence-based interventions, review a real-world case study, and discover the role of coaching in translating learning into effective workplace behaviors.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module examines evidence-based strategies that followers can use to address and mitigate the effects of destructive leadership in organizations. Learners will explore resilience-building techniques from positive psychology, review real-world case studies, and discover restorative practices like workplace conferencing to promote organizational health.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the impact of destructive leadership and introduces restorative approaches, such as workplace conferencing, to address and repair harm in organizations. Learners will analyze real-world case studies to understand when and how restorative practices can be effectively implemented. The module also examines the limitations of traditional grievance processes and highlights strategies for promoting accountability and healing.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module synthesizes key insights on destructive leadership, highlighting practical implications and emerging areas for future research. Learners will reflect on multi-level perspectives and consider actionable strategies for addressing destructive behaviors in organizations.

What's included

1 reading

This module introduces key academic sources related to destructive leadership behaviors and organizational silence within educational and management contexts. Learners will explore foundational research and gain insights into the prevalence and impact of these phenomena. The readings provide a basis for understanding how negative leadership and communication barriers affect organizations.

What's included

1 reading

Instructor

Sage Instructors
Sage Publications
53 Courses1,472 learners

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