FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Managers and others in leadership roles should think twice before ridiculing subordinates or acting disrespectfully toward them, U.S. researchers suggest.
Study leader Michael S. Cole of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth says he tracked the downward spiral triggered when an employee experiences perceived injustices at work.
Such events -- having a manager ridicule an employee's choice of lunch, attire or habits -- create a major stressor which may potentially lead to damaged psychological well being and extreme emotional exhaustion, Cole says. This behavior can directly affect a worker's ability to cope with workload demands and performance-related expectations.
The study, published in the Journal of Management Studies, finds subordinates ridiculed are also likely to feel singled out within their work environment and may start to feel unhappy about their jobs as a whole, leading to a change in job-related attitudes and behavior leading to high turnover.