Toxic Cultures at Work

Abstract

Around the world and across industries, toxic workplaces are in the news. Taking a holistic approach, this book gives a succinct summary of how toxic cultures develop and shows how they can be remedied with practical takeaways for organisations. Existing books on toxic culture either skim the surface of the latest scandal or take a theoretical approach of limited use to practitioners trying to improve their organisations. Now, organisational development expert James Cannon presents an all-in-one resource based on organisational and individual psychology research that offers actionable suggestions for required change. Cannon provides a framework to understand the complexities of a toxic culture, identifying eight drivers: power, leadership personalities, values, organisation design, formal and informal systems, relations with the external environment and individual systems of motivation and reward. The book also offers a comprehensive toolkit with questionnaires and checklists to manage and achieve cultural change. Professionals and students in organisational psychology, business, and change management, as well as those with an interest in the political and social issues raised by toxic cultures, will appreciate this guide on how to tackle a problem that is much discussed but seldom solved.