The Effect of Toxic Leadership Behaviors on Employees Job Satisfaction

Toxic leadership has emerged as a focal point within leadership studies, gaining prominence over the last two decades due to the escalating prevalence of harmful behaviors among leaders. While the dark side of leadership has historical roots, the nuanced examination of toxic leadership is relatively recent. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of toxic leadership, encompassing behaviors such as narcissism, authoritarianism, self-promotion, abusive supervision, and unpredictable conduct. The research, conducted in private banks in Baghdad, Iraq, examining the interplay between toxic leadership and job satisfaction, the study reveals a negative correlation between toxic leadership behaviors and employees' satisfaction with their work. Abusive supervision, authoritarian leadership, and narcissism were found to be strong predictors of reduced job satisfaction. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing toxic leadership behaviors to mitigate their detrimental effects on individuals and organizations. This research contributes to the existing literature by bridging gaps in the understanding of toxic leadership at the local level, specifically within the private banking sector in Baghdad. The study enriches the Arab and Iraqi libraries with contemporary scientific insights, aligning with global trends in leadership research. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for organizational awareness and interventions to counteract the adverse impacts of toxic leadership on both employees and organizational performance.