Toxic leadership is a serious issue that can certainly have many different facets and causes. For today management is still an area that is fairly dominated by male employees. This paper aims to take a closer look at the socio-cultural causes of toxic leadership that could lie in the role of the traditional man. I ask myself the question: How does our cultural understanding of how male leadership should look influence how leaders deal with subordinates could find expression in toxic leadership?
This paper introduces the reader to a recently proposed organizational culture called masculinity contest culture (MCC), where negatively expressed masculinity norms serve as a fertile breeding ground for toxic leadership. Furthermore, I introduce another study that connects toxic leadership with the Social dominance orientation (SDO) and status enhancement motive, which could be closely related to the MCC. The last study deals with gender differences aligning with characteristics of follower groups from Padilla et.al. (2007) toxic triangle and gender differences in the perception of toxic leadership. They found that women view toxic leadership more negatively, as well as detect significantly more subtle forms of toxic leadership than men.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction and Idea of the Paper
- Research Methods
- Male Norm Expectations and the Masculinity Contest Culture
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the socio-cultural causes of toxic leadership, specifically examining how cultural understandings of male leadership influence leader-subordinate interactions and contribute to toxic leadership behaviors. The research investigates the role of the "masculinity contest culture" (MCC) and its connection to toxic leadership.
- The influence of cultural norms on leadership styles.
- The concept of Masculinity Contest Culture (MCC) and its contribution to toxic leadership.
- The relationship between toxic leadership and the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO).
- Gender differences in the perception and experience of toxic leadership.
- The "toxic triangle" and its components in sustaining toxic leadership.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the paper's central question: How does our cultural understanding of male leadership influence leader-subordinate interactions and potentially contribute to toxic leadership? It highlights the concept of masculinity contest culture (MCC) and its role as a breeding ground for toxic leadership. The abstract also mentions studies connecting toxic leadership with Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and gender differences in the perception of toxic leadership.
Introduction and Idea of the Paper: This section explores the idea that societal expectations of masculinity, particularly in male-dominated work environments, can foster toxic leadership. It references Frans de Waal's work on chimpanzee politics and the misinterpretation of "alpha male" behavior in business contexts. The section argues that cultural norms significantly impact workplace behavior, shaping both leadership styles and the susceptibility of employees to toxic leadership. It sets the stage for the research by highlighting the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and posing the central research question.
Research Methods: This chapter details the methodology employed in the research. The author describes using EBSCOhost to search for literature on abusive supervision, toxic leadership, masculinity, and gender, focusing on academic journals. The selection process emphasized studies examining the interplay between masculinity, toxic leadership, and the overall work environment. The author highlights the importance of considering Padilla, Hogan, and Kaiser's (2007) "toxic triangle" – toxic leaders, susceptible followers, and a conducive environment – in understanding the sustainability of toxic leadership.
Male Norm Expectations and the Masculinity Contest Culture: This section delves into the concept of Masculinity Contest Culture (MCC) as a superordinate dimension impacting organizational culture. It discusses how MCC encourages stereotypically masculine traits (aggression, assertiveness, etc.) while discouraging feminine traits (sensitivity, insecurity, etc.). The chapter highlights that manhood is often viewed as a socially attained status, leading to a precarious environment where individuals constantly prove their masculinity. This section summarizes the findings of Glick, Berdahl, and Alonso (2018), who developed a scale to measure MCC, identifying four key dimensions: Show no weakness, Valorize strength and stamina, Put work first, and Dog-eat-dog. The chapter concludes by exploring how these MCC dimensions contribute to the creation and perpetuation of toxic leadership.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Toxic leadership, masculinity, gender, organizational culture, masculinity contest culture (MCC), social dominance orientation (SDO), abusive supervision, leadership styles, workplace norms, gender differences, toxic triangle.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Toxic Leadership
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper explores the socio-cultural causes of toxic leadership, specifically examining how cultural understandings of male leadership influence leader-subordinate interactions and contribute to toxic leadership behaviors. It investigates the role of the "masculinity contest culture" (MCC) and its connection to toxic leadership.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the influence of cultural norms on leadership styles; the concept of Masculinity Contest Culture (MCC) and its contribution to toxic leadership; the relationship between toxic leadership and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO); gender differences in the perception and experience of toxic leadership; and the "toxic triangle" and its components in sustaining toxic leadership.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research utilized EBSCOhost to search for literature on abusive supervision, toxic leadership, masculinity, and gender, focusing on academic journals. The selection process emphasized studies examining the interplay between masculinity, toxic leadership, and the overall work environment. The "toxic triangle" framework (Padilla, Hogan, & Kaiser, 2007) was also considered.
What is Masculinity Contest Culture (MCC), and how does it relate to toxic leadership?
MCC is a cultural dimension that encourages stereotypically masculine traits (aggression, assertiveness) while discouraging feminine traits (sensitivity, insecurity). It frames manhood as a socially attained status, creating a competitive environment where individuals constantly prove their masculinity. This contributes to the creation and perpetuation of toxic leadership behaviors.
What are the key dimensions of MCC identified in the research?
Glick, Berdahl, and Alonso (2018) identified four key dimensions of MCC: Show no weakness; Valorize strength and stamina; Put work first; and Dog-eat-dog. These dimensions are linked to toxic leadership.
What is the "toxic triangle," and what role does it play?
The "toxic triangle" (Padilla, Hogan, & Kaiser, 2007) consists of toxic leaders, susceptible followers, and a conducive environment. This framework helps understand how toxic leadership is sustained.
What other concepts are discussed in relation to toxic leadership?
The paper also discusses the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and its relationship to toxic leadership, as well as gender differences in the perception and experience of toxic leadership.
What are the key takeaways from the different chapters?
The Abstract introduces the central question and highlights key concepts. The Introduction establishes the context and research question. The Research Methods chapter details the methodology. The chapter on Male Norm Expectations and MCC delves into the concept of MCC and its contribution to toxic leadership.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Toxic leadership, masculinity, gender, organizational culture, masculinity contest culture (MCC), social dominance orientation (SDO), abusive supervision, leadership styles, workplace norms, gender differences, toxic triangle.
- Citar trabajo
- Nicola Stevens (Autor), 2020, Work as a masculinity contest. How masculinity norms relate with toxic leadership, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1397505
