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The Dark Side of Leadership: How Toxic Leadership Fuels Counterproductive Work Behaviors Through Organizational Cynicism and Injustice

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  • Mohamed Abdelkhalek Omar Ahmed

    (School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
    Higher Institute of Electronic Commerce Systems in Sohag (HIC), Sohag 82786, Egypt)

  • Junguang Zhang

    (School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Ahmed Sabry Fouad

    (The Higher Institute of Administrative Sciences in Osim, Giza 12961, Egypt)

  • Kawther Mousa

    (School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Hamdy Mohamed Nour

    (The International Higher Institute for Languages and Translation in Fifth Settlement, Cairo 11835, Egypt)

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the impact of toxic leadership (TL) on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) with the mediating roles of organizational cynicism (OC) and organizational injustice (OIJ), using 392 questionnaires collected from employees working in the Egyptian higher education sector. The data are examined using AMOS 25 for structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The results show that toxic leadership positively affects CWBs, organizational cynicism, and organizational injustice. Furthermore, organizational cynicism positively affects CWBs, and organizational injustice significantly affects CWBs. Finally, organizational cynicism and injustice partially mediate the relationship between toxic leadership and CWBs. This study adds novelty to the literature by exploring the influence of toxic leadership on CWBs, OC, and OIJ in Egypt’s higher education sector. As a result, addressing the prevalence of toxic leadership and its ripple effects is essential for fostering sustainable organizational cultures. Sustainable work environments prioritize fairness, employee well-being, and positive leadership practices, reducing counterproductive behaviors. Finally, this article reviews the limitations but also assesses the substantial contributions to theory and practice made by the paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Abdelkhalek Omar Ahmed & Junguang Zhang & Ahmed Sabry Fouad & Kawther Mousa & Hamdy Mohamed Nour, 2024. "The Dark Side of Leadership: How Toxic Leadership Fuels Counterproductive Work Behaviors Through Organizational Cynicism and Injustice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-28, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:105-:d:1554234
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    1. Evaggelos Tzortsos & Sophia Anastasiou, 2025. "Toxic Leadership in Greek Primary Education: Impacts on Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-12, July.

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