Toxic and Destructive Leadership

The Dark Side of Influence

Christian Harrison editor Bilal Zaghmout editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Publishing:10th Feb '27

£171.99

This title is due to be published on 10th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Toxic and Destructive Leadership cover

Toxic and Destructive Leadership: The Dark Side of Influence offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the darker dimensions of leadership, exploring how destructive leadership emerges, develops, becomes normalised and ultimately shapes individuals, organisations and wider institutional systems. Moving beyond simplistic portrayals of toxic leaders as inherently dysfunctional individuals, the book positions toxic leadership as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction of leader characteristics, follower responses, relationships, organisational cultures, structures, power dynamics and contextual conditions.

Across its chapters, the volume brings together perspectives on authentic leadership as a potential antidote, dark personality and psychopathy, the temporal dynamics of destructive authority, toxic supervision, relational co-production, corporate culture, prevention, intervention and the financial, human and reputational costs of toxic leadership. It also considers how destructive leadership manifests across diverse settings, including higher education, healthcare, business and different cultural contexts. Drawing on conceptual scholarship, empirical qualitative inquiry, literature reviews and integrative approaches, the book advances a more systemic understanding of toxicity.

Ultimately, it shifts attention from simply identifying “toxic leaders” towards understanding and transforming the toxic leadership systems that enable destructive behaviours to emerge, persist and become embedded.

“Toxic and Destructive Leadership: The Dark Side of Influence is an insightful and thought-provoking contribution to the further understanding of leadership in contemporary organisations. Particularly valuable is its examination of how destructive leadership emerges, becomes normalised, and affects individuals and organisations, while also advancing evidence-informed approaches to prevention, intervention, and transformation. The book’s exploration of authentic leadership as an antidote to toxic leadership is especially beneficial for organisational leaders, scholars, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of both destructive leadership dynamics and the qualities required to counter them. Grounded in research and enriched by the authors’ reflections, the volume combines scholarly rigour with practical insight, making its contribution both dynamic and relevant. I am convinced that this book will serve as a valuable guide for management professionals, scholars, and students by providing important managerial insights into toxic leadership and by encouraging the development of more responsible, authentic, adaptive, and effective leaders for today and the future.” Dr Poht Poht Kyi, Founder and Vice Chancellor, Myanmar Imperial College

“Leadership leaves a lasting imprint on people and organizations, for better or for worse. What makes Prof. Harrison’s Toxic and Destructive Leadership: The Dark Side of Influence particularly compelling is that it moves beyond simply identifying destructive leadership behaviours to uncovering how toxicity takes root, becomes normalized, and ultimately shapes people, culture, and organizational outcomes. More importantly, it points us toward what can be done differently. This is a timely, practical, and necessary book for leaders serious about building healthy cultures where both people and organizations can thrive.” Niyi Taiwo, Leadership Advisor & Principal Consultant, Motivar Consulting Inc.

“As someone who has led teams, built organisations and witnessed both healthy and destructive leadership up close, Toxic Leadership is one of the most important and honest examinations of leadership I have encountered. Dr Bilal Zaghmout, Professor Christian Harrison and their contributors illuminate the behaviours, systems and blind spots that quietly damage people and cultures while offering practical pathways to transformation. This book is essential reading for any leader committed to creating environments where people can thrive, not just survive.” Ayo Benson Olarewaju FCCA FCA MBA, CEO, Mastermind Business Edge, Executive Coach/Author

ISBN: 9781041069911

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

302 pages