Categories of Behavior

Army research found that counterproductive leadership can be separated into five major categories of behavior. Leaders can demonstrate more than one counterproductive behavior, and their behaviors can span multiple categories. These categories are not exhaustive or definitive, but they can help you name the behavior and better inform your strategies for coping with or addressing the behavior.

Abusive Behaviors click to expand contents

This category includes behaviors that involve a leader exceeding the boundaries of his or her authority by being abusive, cruel, or degrading of others. These behaviors are contrary to what is required for the moral, ethical, and legal discharge of his or her duty.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Bullying.
Using threats or intimidation.
Berating others for mistakes.
Creating conflict.
Ridiculing others because of the authority held.
Domineering.
Retaliating for perceived slights or disagreements.

Self-Serving Behaviors click to expand contents

This category includes behaviors that result from self-centered motivations on the part of the leader, where the leader acts in ways that seek primarily to accomplish his or her own goals and needs before those of others.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Displaying arrogance.
Lacking concern or empathy for others.
Taking credit for others' work.
Insisting on having their way.
Distorting information to favor own ideas.
Exaggerating accomplishments or abilities.
Putting own work and accomplishments ahead of others' and the mission.
Displaying narcissistic tendencies.
Exhibiting sense of entitlement.

Erratic Behaviors click to expand contents

This category includes behaviors related to poor self-control or volatility that drive the leader to act erratically or unpredictably. The leader engages in behavior that deflects his or her problems onto others or acts on the perceived negative intent of others.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Blaming others.
Deflecting responsibility.
Losing temper at the slightest provocation.
Behaving inconsistently in words and actions.
Insecurity.
Paranoia.
Being unapproachable.

Leadership Incompetence click to expand contents

This category includes ineffective leadership behaviors that result from a lack of experience, willful neglect, failure to act, or acting poorly. While incompetent leadership can arise from reasons unrelated to counterproductive leadership, it is included as a category as it is often associated with arrogant or abusive leaders who are not aware of their shortcomings and do not seek to correct their shortcomings. Conversely, some leaders lacking competence are aware of their shortcomings, which leads them to behave in counterproductive or negative ways in order to cover up their shortcomings or mistakes.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Unengaged leadership.
Being passive or reactionary.
Neglecting leadership responsibilities.
Displaying poor judgment.
Poorly motivating others.
Withholding encouragement.
Failing to clearly communicate expectations.
Refusing to listen to subordinates.

Corrupt Behaviors click to expand contents

This category includes behaviors that violate explicit Army standards, regulations, or policies. Violations may range from disrespect subject to administrative discipline to criminal actions subject to discharge or incarceration.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Showing little or no respect to others.
Insulting or belittling individuals.
Condescending or talking down to others.
Dishonesty.
Misusing government resources or time.
Creating a hostile work environment.
EEO/SHARP violations.
Violating Section 3583, Title 10, United States Code, AR 600-100, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Counterproductive Leadership Categories

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