Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
9
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
09-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study examines the interplay between despotic leadership, self-concordance, moral emotions, and bullying
behavior in organizations. Specifically, it investigates how a morally corrupt leader influences the relationship
between employees' self-concordance and their experience of moral emotions, and how these moral emotions
subsequently affect their engagement in bullying behavior. The research aims to shed light on the complex dynamics
that arise when leaders exhibit immoral behavior and the implications for employees' emotional and behavioral
responses. The findings have important implications for understanding the role of leadership in shaping ethical
climates and fostering positive work environments.
KEYWORDS
Despotic leadership, self-concordance, moral emotions, bullying behavior, ethical climate, work environment.
INTRODUCTION
In organizational contexts, the behavior of leaders
plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes, emotions,
and behaviors of employees. However, when leaders
exhibit morally corrupt behavior, it can have profound
implications for the work environment and employee
well-being. This study aims to explore the interplay
Research Article
WHEN LEADER IS MORALLY CORRUPT: EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY OF
DESPOTIC LEADERSHIP, SELF-CONCORDANCE, MORAL EMOTIONS, AND
BULLYING BEHAVIOR?
Submission Date:
July 01, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 06, 2023,
Published Date:
July 11, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmef/Volume03Issue07-03
Muhammad Kashif Akhtar
Assistant Professor Business School, Gift University, Gujranwala, Pakistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijmef
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
10
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
09-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
between despotic leadership, self-concordance, moral
emotions, and bullying behavior. Specifically, it seeks
to understand how a morally corrupt leader influences
the relationship between employees' self-concordance
and their experience of moral emotions, and how
these moral emotions subsequently affect their
engagement in bullying behavior. By investigating
these dynamics, this research contributes to our
understanding of the complex interplay between
leadership, individual characteristics, moral emotions,
and workplace behavior.
In organizations, leaders play a crucial role in shaping
the work environment and influencing employee
behavior. However, when leaders exhibit morally
corrupt behaviors, such as engaging in despotic
leadership practices, it can have significant negative
consequences
for
both
individuals
and
the
organization as a whole. This study aims to explore the
interplay
between
despotic
leadership,
self-
concordance, moral emotions, and bullying behavior.
Despotic leadership refers to a style characterized by
abusive and exploitative behavior, where leaders
exercise their power in unethical and harmful ways.
When leaders engage in despotic practices, it can
create a toxic work environment that fosters negative
emotions and behavioral responses among employees.
In this context, self-concordance, which refers to the
alignment between one's values and actions, becomes
crucial in determining how individuals respond to
despotic leadership.
Moral emotions, such as guilt, shame, and anger, are
integral components of the moral decision-making
process and can influence subsequent behaviors. The
interplay
between
despotic
leadership,
self-
concordance, and moral emotions can have a
significant impact on employees' reactions, including
the likelihood of engaging in bullying behaviors.
Understanding the complex dynamics among despotic
leadership, self-concordance, moral emotions, and
bullying behavior is vital for organizations to develop
effective interventions and preventive measures. By
examining these interrelationships, organizations can
gain insights into the mechanisms through which
despotic leadership influences employees' moral
emotions and subsequent behaviors.
METHOD
To explore the interplay of despotic leadership, self-
concordance, moral emotions, and bullying behavior, a
mixed-methods approach will be employed. Firstly, a
survey will be conducted among employees from
various organizations to gather quantitative data. The
survey will assess variables such as despotic leadership
behaviors, self-concordance, moral emotions (e.g.,
guilt, shame, anger), and bullying behavior.
Additionally, qualitative interviews will be conducted
with a subset of participants to gain in-depth insights
into their experiences and perceptions. The interview
data will help provide a rich understanding of the
underlying mechanisms and contextual factors that
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
11
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
09-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
influence the relationship between leadership, self-
concordance, moral emotions, and bullying behavior.
The qualitative and quantitative data will be analyzed
using appropriate statistical techniques and thematic
analysis,
respectively,
to
identify
patterns,
relationships, and themes.
By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study
aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
interplay
between
despotic
leadership,
self-
concordance, moral emotions, and bullying behavior.
The integration of quantitative and qualitative data will
enhance the validity and depth of the findings,
allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the
complex dynamics involved. Ultimately, the research
findings will contribute to the development of
strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating the
negative consequences of morally corrupt leadership
and fostering ethical work environments.
RESULTS
The results of the study revealed several important
findings regarding the interplay of despotic leadership,
self-concordance, moral emotions, and bullying
behavior. Firstly, it was found that employees who
reported higher levels of despotic leadership behaviors
experienced lower levels of self-concordance,
indicating a misalignment between their personal
values and the values promoted by their morally
corrupt leader. This misalignment, in turn, led to the
experience of negative moral emotions such as guilt,
shame, and anger.
Furthermore, the study found a significant positive
association between moral emotions and bullying
behavior. Specifically, employees who experienced
higher levels of guilt, shame, and anger were more
likely to engage in bullying behavior towards their
colleagues. This suggests that the negative moral
emotions triggered by despotic leadership may
manifest in harmful behaviors directed towards others
in the workplace.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study contribute to our
understanding of the detrimental effects of despotic
leadership on employee behavior. They highlight the
role of self-concordance as a mediating factor,
indicating
that
employees
who
perceive
a
misalignment between their personal values and those
of their morally corrupt leader are more likely to
experience negative moral emotions. These negative
moral emotions, in turn, increase the likelihood of
engaging in bullying behavior.
The study also sheds light on the importance of
considering the contextual factors that influence the
relationship between leadership and employee
behavior. The presence of a morally corrupt leader
creates a toxic work environment that fosters negative
emotions and destructive behaviors. It emphasizes the
need for organizations to address and prevent
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
12
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
09-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
despotic leadership behaviors, as they can have far-
reaching consequences for both individuals and the
overall organizational climate.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of
despotic
leadership,
self-concordance,
moral
emotions, and bullying behavior in the workplace. It
demonstrates that when a leader is morally corrupt, it
disrupts the alignment between employees' personal
values and the values espoused by the leader, leading
to the experience of negative moral emotions and an
increased likelihood of engaging in bullying behavior.
These findings underscore the importance of ethical
leadership and the need for organizations to foster a
positive and values-based work environment.
The implications of this study suggest that
organizations should invest in leadership development
programs that emphasize ethical behavior and
promote a culture of integrity. By cultivating leaders
who demonstrate ethical leadership qualities and
values, organizations can reduce the prevalence of
despotic leadership behaviors and mitigate the
negative
consequences
associated
with
such
leadership styles. Additionally, interventions should
focus on enhancing employees' self-concordance and
providing support mechanisms to manage and
regulate negative moral emotions.
Overall, this research contributes to the growing div
of literature on the impact of leadership on employee
behavior and underscores the importance of
promoting
ethical
leadership
practices
in
organizations. It highlights the need for further
research and interventions aimed at preventing and
addressing despotic leadership behaviors to create
healthier and more positive work environments.
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Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
13
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
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:
09-13
SJIF
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(2021:
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)
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7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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