ABSTRACT
Dysfunctional leadership behaviors are beginning to gain attention from scholars and the media. These behaviors include physical and psychological abuse. This chapter describes the term "dysfunctional leader" or "dysfunctional leadership". This term is used in order to provide context to the topic and to focus specifically on dysfunction at a leadership level. Dysfunctional leadership is not isolated to just one industry; we find dysfunction in all industries, as well as at all levels of leadership. The chapter examines several different types of dysfunctional leadership including bullying, tyrants, unethical leaders, and the three components of what is referred to as the Dark Triad. It explores the ethical components of leadership and then seeks to understand unethical leadership behaviors and their impact on others. The chapter examines the impact that dysfunctional leadership has on organizations and followers. It also examines what can be done to address dysfunctional behavior from a follower's, bystander's and organization's perspective.
