Destructive Leaders and Dysfunctional Organizations
A Therapeutic Approach

A fascinating behind-closed-doors account of troubled leaders and the effect they have on their organizations.

Alan Goldman (Author)

9780521717342, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 December 2009

240 pages
22.6 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.38 kg

'Evidence of errant and dysfunctional behaviour by senior executives - and the misuse of their position and power - has increased in recent years and has justifiably become a matter of profound public concern. In this interesting book, Alan Goldman examines cases from his consulting work with top executives of counterproductive workplace behavior and illuminates some of the underlying psychological factors which have resulted in the pathological scenarios described.' Michael Walton, University of Exeter

Organizational behavior and leadership research has traditionally been deeply influenced by positive psychology and appreciative inquiry. Yet, in recent times, a wave of corporate scandals and spectacular organizational failures has forced management and organizational theorists to rethink this approach. Unethical CEO behavior, white collar crime, property deviance, employee grievances and lawsuits, organizational terrorism, and workplace violence have all provided the impetus for an examination of the darker side of leadership. In Destructive Leaders and Dysfunctional Organizations, Alan Goldman draws on his extensive experience as a management consultant and executive coach to provide a fascinating behind-closed-doors account of troubled leaders and the effect they have on their organizations. Featuring clinical case studies, ranging from the fashion industry to an aeronautical engineering corporation, the book explores the damaging effects of destructive leadership on organizations and provides the tools necessary for early recognition, assessment, and treatment.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction: leaders and organizations in search of treatment
1. Hubris and narcissism: the dark underbelly of leadership
2. The enigma of an unintentionally toxic leader: an emotionally turbulent and impulsive workplace
3. The narcissistic leader: world renowned and quite arrogant
4. Leader sabotage: the fish rots from the head down
5. The obsessive compulsive leader: a manager's mandate for perfection or destruction
6. The borderline leader: when brilliance and psychopathology coexist in a leader
7. Trouble at the top: high toxicity implications of a leader with anti-social personality disorder
8. Histrionic leadership: the allure of the toxic leader in a volatile industry
9. The outer limits of toxic behaviour: corporate trauma in the form of disturbed leadership
10. Destructive leaders
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Business & management [KJ]