Antecedents and Consequences of Dark Leadership

This chapter focuses on the antecedents and consequences of dark leadership. Dark leadership is shaped by a complex interplay of individual predispositions, contextual factors such as organisational structures, cultural dynamics, and employee factors. Certain environments, power dynamics, and leadership expectations create conditions where dark leadership thrives, influencing not only how leaders behave but also how followers respond to them. Understanding the antecedents of dark leadership is crucial in identifying the warning signs and mitigating its emergence before it settles in and grows within an organisation. Equally significant are the consequences of dark leadership, which often extend beyond the leader-follower relationship. The ripple effects of dark leadership permeate organisational culture, disrupt team cohesion, and negatively impact individual performance and well-being. Dysfunctional leadership creates environments where unethical behaviour is normalised, productivity declines, and employees disengage or suffer from severe psychological distress. The long-term ramifications can result in organisational stagnation, reputational damage, and financial instability.