Understanding Destructive Leadership and Its Outcomes from the Experiences of Filipino Followers: A Qualitative Approach

Understanding Destructive Leadership and Its Outcomes from the Experiences of Filipino Followers: A Qualitative Approach

by Rachel Marie L. Carbonell-Laguio, PhD in Leadership Studies major in Organizational Development Candidate

ABSTRACT

Destructive leadership has been referred to as toxic, pathological, flawed, derailed, dysfunctional type of leadership (Hogan et al., 2017; Bentz, 1985 as cited in Kaiser & Hogan, 2011). In describing what it is, oftentimes, what is being referred to is the leader’s character flaws or behaviors that are counterproductive, and destructive in nature (Hogan et al., 2017; Furnham, 2010). This study looks at the Destructive Leadership phenomenon as a “complex process of influence between flawed, toxic, or ineffective leaders, susceptible followers, and conducive environments, which culminates in destructive group or organizational outcomes” (Thoroughgood, et al. 2018, p. 633). Using a qualitative approach, the researcher interviewed 15 Filipino followers who have had experiences with a destructive leader on what they would consider as behaviors and characteristics of destructive leaders, what the followers’ reactions are to them, and what elements in the organization and culture encourage and discourage destructive leadership. Results showed that indeed, destructive leadership is an influence process. Leaders showed characteristics consistent to what literature describes as destructive. Followers were either conformers or colluders. Conforming, however, was a conscious decision after attempts to assert and the realization of the economic impact of possibly losing a job or other negative consequences that could flow from not conforming. Weak organizational mechanisms, a low trust, highly political and non-inclusive organizational culture make destructive leadership thrive. The Filipino culture, characterized by high power distance, high collectivism and low assertiveness orientation, and the Philippines’ socio-economic challenges all contribute to making it worse. The destructive consequences lead to various organizational ineffectiveness. On the individual, this leads to psychological and health issues that are often traumatic and debilitating. This study concludes with recommendations on interventions and strategies on how destructive leadership can be dealt with, bearing in mind the various elements that lead to it. 

1:30pm Saturday, March 18, 2023 (Online)

Adviser:

Mendiola T Calleja, PhD

Panelists:

Edna P Franco, PhD

Emerald Jay D Ilac, PhD

Ma. Assunta C Cuyegkeng, PhD

Noel M Cortez, PhD

Keywords/Key Phrases: Destructive Leadership, Leadership, Susceptible Followers, Conducive Environment