(BUSINESS WIRE)--Employees report their bosses use
threats and intimidation during the financial crisis, according to
a national study of leadership funded by the University of Phoenix.
"Questions get you written up and/or fired," one worker said. The
study's results also showed employees increasing distrust what
their bosses say.
Belligerent behavior and eroding employee trust
are disturbing leadership trends in the financial crisis, according
to Dr. Ruby Rouse and Dr. Richard Schuttler. Employees repeatedly
described threatening communication:
- "Be thankful you have a job."
- "You can be replaced."
- "There are lots of qualified people on the street
who would love your job."
Such statements remind workers their jobs are on
the "chopping block." According to Rouse, some supervisors seem to
foster a "culture of fear" to maintain control during the financial
crisis.
Despite significant economic changes, leaders
reportedly have not changed the way they communicate with
employees.
- 64% of supervisors use a "business as usual"
mentality
- 82% of employees expressed frustration with
supervisors' lack of adaptation
- Senior leaders were significantly less concerned
about employee issues, such as layoffs and downsizing, than front
line workers.
Read the full report.