ABSTRACT
Chapter 1: Introduction introduces Toxic Leadership: Research and Cases. The chapter opens with a vignette that illustrates the devastating effects of toxic leadership. The authors define a leader as an individual at the center of group change and leadership as an influence relationship. They briefly describe several leadership models, such as authoritative (autocratic) leadership, transformational leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, adaptive leadership, and leader–member exchange. These leadership models contrast with toxic leadership, the darker side of leadership. Chapter 1 introduces the book’s purpose, goals, and general structure. The authors hope to help organizations understand how toxic leadership emerges, how leaders can spot toxic leaders, and prevent them from destroying organizational value. They also aim to help oppressed followers and their allies navigate toxic situations using case studies, discussion questions, and creative activities to understand, analyze, and approach the toxic leaders in their day-to-day lives.
