Middle managers copy bosses' bad behaviour

The expression ‘lead by example’ has been proven even more important, after fresh research has shown that middle managers copy their bosses’ bad behaviour.

Researchers at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam and Cambridge University have undertaken five studies that show that middle managers copy the behaviour of their bosses, at least if they have offices close to each other.

Senior managers, who have an unethical leader style and treat their subordinates unfairly, will have middle managers who treat their subordinates the same way, at least if the spatial distance between them and top management is low.

This will in turn lead to employee dissatisfaction, lower organisational commitment and increased employee turnover.