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Counteracting Toxic Leadership in Education: Transforming Schools Through Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership

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  • Sophia Anastasiou

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece)

Abstract

Toxic leadership in educational settings is a pervasive issue that negatively impacts both educators’ well-being and organizational effectiveness. While previous research has largely focused on defining toxic leadership traits, fewer studies have examined how contextual factors—such as school size, cultural norms, and leadership demographics—can obscure or normalize these behaviors. This narrative review aims to address the following research questions: (i) What are the key factors contributing to the emergence of toxic leadership in educational contexts? (ii) How do toxic leadership behaviors impact teachers and students? (iii) What strategies and interventions can mitigate the negative effects of toxic leadership in schools? Using a structured literature search in Scopus (2014–2024), this review synthesizes existing evidence on toxic leadership traits, including authoritarianism, narcissism, and abusive supervision. The analysis highlights the role of emotional intelligence as a critical resilience factor, emphasizing how self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation can mitigate toxic leadership’s harmful effects. The findings suggest that promoting leadership development programs, emotional intelligence training, and ethical decision-making frameworks can help schools counteract toxic leadership and create more inclusive and supportive environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophia Anastasiou, 2025. "Counteracting Toxic Leadership in Education: Transforming Schools Through Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:312-:d:1720077
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teresa Lopes & Annelyse Soares & Ana Palma-Moreira, 2025. "Toxic Leadership and Turnover Intentions: Emotional Intelligence as a Moderator of This Relationship," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Inez Wilson Heenan & Derbhile De Paor & Niamh Lafferty & Patricia Mannix McNamara, 2023. "The Impact of Transformational School Leadership on School Staff and School Culture in Primary Schools—A Systematic Review of International Literature," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-27, May.
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