THE DARK SIDE OF LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF TOXIC LEADERSHIP TRAITS AND BEHAVIORS AND THEIR ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACTS

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines the behaviors, causes, and impacts of toxic leadership in higher education, focusing on Saudi Arabia. After conducting an extensive bibliographic search in six databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, ProQuest and Arabic database Dar Al-Manzooumah), 40 studies published from 1993 to 2024 and with the highest screening scores were included in the analyses. This review highlights the toxic leadership behaviors shaped via Saudi’s cultural contexts of high-power distance and gender segregation, such as public denigration, over-control, and favoritism. The negative impacts of toxic leadership were related to diminished employee job satisfaction and poor organizational culture. This study identifies the need for prevention programs to tackle toxic leadership behaviors and foster supportive learning environments globally and within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.