Studies Prove Rude, Egotistical Bosses Lower Productivity
A recent study found the effects of rudeness in the workplace, especially superior to subordinate, have immediate and long reaching impacts. Even “second-hand rudeness” – observing rude behavior happening to others – significantly diminished performance. Cited by Human Resources Executive, the study found:
“Simply observing discourteous behavior can erode the ability of fellow employees to think creatively, solve problems and act as team players. Victims of rudeness were negatively affected by the behavior with severe effects on creativity and the ability to solve problems. Even if they just imagined rude behavior, the results were the same and affected their memory.”
A Bnet report of a study on narcissistic, self-centered bosses is just as damning:
According to the researchers, employees working under self-centered bosses reportedly:
• Had lower levels of job satisfaction
• Saw their stress levels increase over the previous year
• Were less appreciative of their work and organization
• Had lower levels of effort and performance
• Were more prone to sadness and frustration at work
What’s the solution? I think the co-author of the rudeness study, Amir Erez offers a start:
“HR leaders need to change the atmosphere in the organization, and create the climate that this behavior is just not acceptable. Managers may be concerned about long-term effects, but here we see that just one incident affects productivity.”
It’s more than “creating a climate” – it’s changing the culture into one where rude, selfish behavior is not accepted and instead appreciation and recognition of effort is the norm. Creating these cultures of recognition must start at the top with the CEO setting the tone and the example for his/her direct reports to follow.
What’s the culture in your organization? Is it given to rude and selfish behavior? How high up does that tone rise? Or is it more appreciative? Do you see your CEO and senior executives demonstrating those desired attributes of a positive culture?
5 Comments on “ Studies Prove Rude, Egotistical Bosses Lower Productivity ”
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I like everything that’s here except for one thing. I think dumping the load of change on HR is letting management and especially top management off the hook. Bullying is bad for a wide variety of reasons. Lowering productivity is just one. But if this is an HR issue, you’re sloughing it off to the group which, in many companies, doesn’t have the clout to do anything. Besides, this is a corporate culture issue. It’s the boss’s job. Let HR carry the word to the boss, but don’t let the boss off the hook.
Posted on 28. September 2009 at 14:23
Agreed, Wally. As I say in my comments to the research — change MUST start at the top. The CEO must set the tone and culture of the organization.
Posted on 29. September 2009 at 04:44
The two worst bosses I ever worked for were the owners of their companies.
Rude, arrogant, obnoxious, borderline illegal workplace behaviors and always, always right -in their own minds, then to implemnt your idea, suggestion, item or system and claiming the idea as their own. (Which is fine with me. Just do what works- your idea or the one that was formerly mine.)
Turn over at these companies was rampant. Leaving both positions was a good move for me. I live and continue to learn.
So, to anwer your question – No, I did not see the CEO or senior execs demonstrating desired attributes of a positive culture.
Posted on 29. September 2009 at 14:21
CJ, in those situations you prove my point — the culture starts at the top. If the owners are themselves rude, arrogant and obnoxious, I agree the company culture itself will reflect this attitude in nearly every aspect. As a result, these organizations will lose the good employees such as yourself. Ultimately they can only fail.
Posted on 30. September 2009 at 07:40
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Posted on 23. November 2009 at 13:20