Impact of Toxic Leadership in the 21st Century on Employees’ Intentions to Leave, with Workplace Bullying as a Mediating Factor

Authors

  • Amaresh Satapathy
  • Pramod Ranjan Panda
  • Swapnamayee Sahoo

Keywords:

Employees’ intentions to leave, mediation, toxic leadership, turnover intentions, workplace bullying

Abstract

This study examines how bullying at work affects workers’ desire to quit their existing positions and how toxic leadership exacerbates this effect. Abusive attitudes, unethical actions, and the development of unpleasant work conditions that compromise employee well-being are traits of toxic leaders. In addition to undermining morale and trust, such leadership creates an environment that encourages bullying, which exacerbates the detrimental effects on workers. The study specifically looks at how workplace bullying shapes the relationship between toxic leadership and employees’ inclination to resign by acting as a moderating mechanism. Using a quantitative approach, information was gathered from respondents in a variety of industries using standardized questionnaires, guaranteeing a wide range of organizational situations. The results show a strong link between employees’ intentions to leave their jobs and toxic leadership, with workplace bullying playing a crucial role in enhancing this relationship. Workers who experienced both bullying and toxic leadership expressed greater levels of discontent and disengagement and a greater desire to quit their companies. These findings emphasize how critical it is for businesses to identify and deal with the twin problems of toxic leadership and workplace bullying. Failing to do so puts the organization at risk for worse production, innovation, and general health in addition to higher turnover. To lessen these negative consequences, the study emphasizes the significance of putting in place efficient leadership development programs, anti-bullying regulations, and encouraging workplace environments. In the end, maintaining talent and guaranteeing long-term organizational success depend on creating an inclusive and respected workplace.

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Published

2026-03-12

How to Cite

Satapathy, A. ., Panda, P. R. ., & Sahoo, S. . (2026). Impact of Toxic Leadership in the 21st Century on Employees’ Intentions to Leave, with Workplace Bullying as a Mediating Factor. NOLEGEIN- Journal of Leadership &Amp; Strategic Management, 9(1). Retrieved from https://mbajournals.in/index.php/JoKSM/article/view/1790