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The dark side of leadership: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of destructive leadership research

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  • Mackey, Jeremy D.
  • Parker Ellen, B.
  • McAllister, Charn P.
  • Alexander, Katherine C.

Abstract

The destructive leadership literature has grown remarkably in recent years. Although the field has generated an impressive body of knowledge, we still have an incomplete understanding of destructive leadership. We conduct a systematic literature review of destructive leadership research so we can create a solid foundation for knowledge production and theory development within this literature. Further, we draw from 418 empirical samples of data (k = 418, N = 123,511) to conduct random-effects meta-analyses that estimate the magnitude and direction of relationships within destructive leadership’s nomological network. Ultimately, our study leverages and integrates the many insights from the destructive leadership literature to advance knowledge, facilitate nuanced theory development, generate useful directions for future research, and create evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Mackey, Jeremy D. & Parker Ellen, B. & McAllister, Charn P. & Alexander, Katherine C., 2021. "The dark side of leadership: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of destructive leadership research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 705-718.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:132:y:2021:i:c:p:705-718
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.10.037
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    Cited by:

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    4. Karakitapoğlu-Aygün, Zahide & Gumusluoglu, Lale & Erturk, Alper & Scandura, Terri A., 2023. "What if authoritarian to all or to some? A multi-level investigation of within-team differentiation in authoritarian leadership," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    5. Can He & Jie Xiong & Yue Zhang & Haiyuan Dou & Jiahui Du, 2023. "Destructive Leadership and Turnover Intention among Chinese Rural Kindergarten Teachers: The Mediation of Ego Depletion and the Moderation of Kindergarten Affiliation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
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    7. Lin, Chiou-Shiu & Jin, Ming & Huang, Pei-Chi & Xiao, Ran, 2023. "Does it take two to tango? The joint role of high-performance work systems and ethical leadership," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    8. Sharfa Hassan & Puneet Kaur & Michael Muchiri & Chidiebere Ogbonnaya & Amandeep Dhir, 2023. "Unethical Leadership: Review, Synthesis and Directions for Future Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(2), pages 511-550, March.
    9. Bunmi Isaiah Omodan, 2023. "Addressing the Dark Side of Leadership in the University System Using Community of Practice (CoP) Approach," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-15, November.

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