In my most resent research (January 2016) I consider hostile work environments that hinder appreciative intelligence® (AQ) and sensemaking within followers. My work is currently being considered for publication so for propriety purposes I will wait to publish thoughts regarding my study.
The title of my recent work is:
Hindering Appreciative Intelligence® and Follower Sensemaking Through Hostile Leadership
I will say this: hostile work environments hurt. Its a personal reality that I have unfortunately had to experience more than once and I can say from that place of understanding that as much as it hurt me it hurts the organization more. All that I could have done and would have done - could have been and would have been within each organization was completely shut down due to hostile leadership. From a researchers perspective I witnessed similar behavior from followers and leadership who perceived their workplace was hostile. Hostile leaders, hostile owners, and hostile co-workers cost your company in more ways then just the bottom line.
Make your organization a safe place for all of your staff. Build community, allow for healthy relationships and make the hard decisions to release those who cannot accept the new norms. If the hostile leadership is coming from you as the owner I suggest you consider your behavior and the role it plays on staff production, risk taking, and production.
Just like school has no place for bullies - neither does your workplace.
More to come soon....