Toxic Organizational Cultures and Leadership

7 Conducive Environments

DOI: 10.4324/9781003330387-10

7.1 Introduction

Let us now explore the third element of the toxic triangle: a conducive environment.¹

A toxic workplace environment is recognized as one that is characteristic of unfavourable experiences that poorly affect employees.²

This third domain in the toxic triangle envelops leaders and followers and their interactions. A conducive environment is described as one without checks and balances, or where the organization is tolerant of toxic behaviours of its leader or leaders.³ It is asserted that toxic leaders will not survive or succeed in positive working environments.

In studies that examined corrupt organizations, there were justifications for the actions and behaviours. These ...