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How Common Are Bad Bosses?

Author

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  • Artz, Benjamin

    (University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh)

  • Goodall, Amanda H.

    (Cass Business School)

  • Oswald, Andrew J.

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

Bosses play an important role in workplaces. Yet little is currently known about a foundational question. Are the right people promoted to be managers, team leaders, and supervisors? Gallup data and the famous Peter Principle both suggest that incompetent bosses are likely to be all around us. This paper's results uncover a different, and more nuanced, conclusion. By taking data on 35 nations, the paper provides the first statistically representative international estimates of the extent to which employees have 'bad bosses'. Using a simple, and arguably natural, measure, the paper calculates that approximately 13% of Europe's workers have a bad boss. These bosses are most common in the Transport sector and large organizations. The paper discusses its methodology, performs validation checks, and reviews other data and implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Artz, Benjamin & Goodall, Amanda H. & Oswald, Andrew J., 2018. "How Common Are Bad Bosses?," IZA Discussion Papers 11825, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11825
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Dur & Ola Kvaløy & Anja Schöttner, 2022. "Leadership Styles and Labor Market Conditions," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(4), pages 3150-3168, April.
    2. Argyro Avgoustaki & Hans T. W. Frankort, 2023. "All work intensity is not created equal: Effort motives, job satisfaction and quit intentions at a grocery chain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(4), pages 869-894, December.
    3. Getinet Astatike Haile, 2023. "Organizational leadership: How much does it matter?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(3), pages 653-673, September.
    4. Stefano Dughera & Alain Marciano, 2022. "Supervise me if you can. Relational feelings, incentive pays and supervisory violations," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 136(1), pages 47-72, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    job satisfaction; leadership; bosses; well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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