Discussion 6.

2 A: Article Review
Pelletier K. L. (2010). Leader Toxicity: An Empirical Investigation of Toxic Behavior and
Rhetoric. Leadership, 6(4), p 373-389.
Article summary
This article discusses which leadership behaviors do followers perceive as harmful and
investigated whether followers agreed on that. The author discussed the theories of harmful
leadership including abusive and tyrannical leadership, destructive leadership, bullying and toxic
leadership. The discussion on characteristics of toxic leaders, their traits and organizational
consequences was quite insightful. The study identified empirically toxic leaders behaviors based
on the perceptions of the followers and determined eight dimensions of leader toxicity. They
include: intimidation, attacks on self- esteem, threats, inequity, dishonesty, divisiveness, laissez
faire behaviors and social exclusion (Pelletier, 2010). It further examined the level of agreement
of followers on what constitutes toxic leadership.
Critique
Other than impacting my understanding on toxic leadership, this article outlined the importance of
using suitable research methods. The study incorporated both qualitative and quantitative data.
Quantitative methods use measures and qualitative methods ensures understanding of phenomena
(Antonakis, Schreisheim, Gopalakrishna-Pillai, Pellegrini & Rossomme, 2004). The qualitative
analysis used open ended questions to evaluate peoples experiences with toxicity. Through
coding, eight themes with destructive leadership emerged. The quantitative analysis determined
the level of agreement of toxic intensity. By combining both qualitative and quantitative analysis
in the study, in depth conclusions and interpretation of the findings could be made (Bryman, 2004).
Application
An interesting perspective from the article is the literature review and dimensions of theories of
bad leadership. This part outlined how ones toxic leader may be another persons hero and the
characteristics of toxicity in leadership (Lipman-Blumen, 2005). This is important as I can now
identify what constitutes toxic leadership unlike before where I could witness certain aspects of
toxic leaders and thought it was normal for a leader to behave that way. Im now in a position to
advise victims of such leadership on the appropriate steps to take. Furthermore, I could advise
organizations to train their leaders on toxic behaviors such that they treat their employees with
respect, show appreciation for the work done (Shellenbarger, 2012) and maintain healthy
relationships in the workplace. This article has definitely changed the way Ill approach a situation
related to toxic especially abusive leadership (Mackey, J. D., Ellen, B. P., Hochwarter, W. A.,
Ferris, & G. R., 2013) as the concept, discussions and implications in the article has been well
grasped.
Further Research
The study did not address the effects of the leaders toxic behaviors hence further research should
identify the physical, social, emotional and psychological effects. This could be done by asking
the respondents to describe the impacts after experiencing toxic leadership behaviors. This will
give common effects of toxic leadership both at the individual and organizational level through
the eyes of victims and witnesses.
 References
Antonakis J., Schreisheim C. A., Donovan J. A., Gopalakrishna-Pillai K., Pellegrini E.K. &
Rossomme J. L. (2004). Methods for Studying Leadership. The Nature of Leadership. 48-
70.
Bryman A. (2004). Qualitative Research on Leadership: A Critical but Appreciative Review. The
Leadership Quarterly, 15, 729 769
Lipman-Blumen J. (2005). Toxic Leadership: When Grand Illusions masquerade as Noble Visions.
Leader to Leader, 36, 29-36.
Mackey, J. D., Ellen, B. P., Hochwarter, W. A., Ferris, & G. R. (2013). Subordinate Social
Adaptability and the Consequences of Abusive Supervision Perceptions in Two Samples.
The Leadership Quarterly, 24(5), 732-746.
Pelletier K. L. (2010). Leader Toxicity: An Empirical Investigation of Toxic Behavior and
Rhetoric. Leadership, 6(4), 373-389.
Shellenbarger S (2012). Showing Appreciation at the Office? No, Thanks. Wall street Journal