How toxic leaders are impacting SA's workforce

THERE is a growing body of evidence highlighting a concerning trend: an elevated prevalence of narcissistic and psychopathic traits among top corporate leaders in South Africa - with dire consequences for the mental health of employees.

- PROF RENATA SCHOEMAN

Dark leadership - a leadership style characterised by behaviours that are harmful to individuals and organisations - is consistently linked to an increase in employee stress, anxiety, depression, reduced job satisfaction and high employee turnover rates. This kind of toxic leadership can create environments characterised by fear, mistrust, reduced psychological safety and diminished employee engagement and productivity.

Significant prevalence

Many of the personality traits of psychopaths are also traits that help people get ahead in business - such as charm, fearless dominance, boldness and a grandiose sense of self.

It is estimated that up to 1% of the general population meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, yet almost 4% of business leaders may be psychopaths. The CEO level is the career with the highest proportion of psychopaths; second only to the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder among prison inmates (with 15% prevalence).

The impact on employees is significant - with potentially severe consequences. In South Africa, a third of employees quit due to toxic leadership. Furthermore, studies reveal that work-related stress accounts for over 40% of workplace illnesses, and one in four South African employees have been diagnosed with depression.

Distinct traits