A troubling trend has emerged within South Africa's corporate world: a growing number of leaders displaying toxic behaviours, with detrimental effects on employees mental health, Cape town Etc reports.
According to a range of studies, the prevalence of narcissistic and psychopathic traits among top executives is alarmingly high, painting a stark picture of the modern workplace.
The concept of dark leadership, which is characterised by harmful behaviours within organisations, is directly associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety, higher rates of depression, and ultimately, lower job satisfaction.
This type of leadership fosters an atmosphere rife with fear and mistrust, significantly diminishing employee engagement and productivity.
Professor Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, sheds light on this pressing issue. Many of the personality traits associated with psychopathy such as charm, fearless dominance, and boldness are traits that can help people excel in business environments, she notes.