What role does perceived leader behavior play in defining toxic leadership?

Perceived leader behavior is crucial in defining toxic leadership, as it directly shapes the organizational climate and influences employee morale and engagement. When leaders demonstrate self-aggrandizement and a lack of regard for team input, it creates an environment where employees feel undervalued and demotivated. This type of behavior breeds distrust and resentment, leading to a toxic atmosphere that discourages open communication and collaboration.

Toxic leaders often prioritize their own interests over those of their team, undermining the collective goals and reducing overall effectiveness. By failing to acknowledge and respect the contributions of their team members, such leaders not only harm individual morale but also damage the team's cohesion, making it hard to achieve organizational objectives. Thus, recognizing and understanding perceived leader behavior is key to identifying and addressing toxic leadership within an organization.