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The 'toxic' managers who make work hell
Last updated at 16:37pm on 11.01.07
"Toxic" managers who shout at staff can make life hell for workers
Psychologists have identified a breed of "toxic" managers who shout at staff, have few academic qualifications, are arrogant and could make life hell for workers.
Research published today shows that a "classic bastard" among bosses usually lowers the morale of staff and affects productivity.
Professor Adrian Furnham, of University College, London, said the characteristics of bad parents could be translated to managers - with similar effects on other people.
"Having a toxic manager makes workers unhappy and incompetent," he said at the British Psychological Society's occupational psychology conference in Bristol.
"One of the major causes of misery is misery at work, especially if your boss is uncaring, selfish and arrogant, because you are stuck with that for eight hours a day. It leads to low morale and poor productivity because people keep going absent from work."
Prof Furnham, who pooled together previous studies as well as conducting his own research, said the number of toxic managers is low, but offered this advice to workers: "Beware the good-looking, articulate and educated psychopath or narcissist because they are con artists."
Prof Furnham listed some of the characteristics of toxic managers including:
• Inconsistency and unpredictability. You can never be sure what they will say or do
• Low tolerance of provocation. They are known for their moodiness
• Self-indulgence. They are often deeply selfish
• Lack of long-term planning. They can't or won't plan for future eventualities for themselves, their staff or their product
• Restlessness. They get bored easily and can't seem to pay attention
• Learning problems. Many have few educational qualifications
• Poor emotional control. They shout, weep, sulk and gush with little embarrassment or control
• Placing little value on skills. They despise attempts by staff to upgrade their skills
