"Evil" Manifested in Destructive Individual Behavior

Abstract

This article reflects on the self-reported experiences of senior executives who encounter "dark and destructive" personalities among professionals who "suck the life juices"from their organizational group, crippling the group in such a way that all positive spirit is lost. Shying from clinical terms outside their domain, these executives label this behavior as evil. The article undertakes a description of evil as reflected in their reports and sets forth tentative recommendations and cautions for dealing with this complex subject. It concludes that management theory by avoiding this difficult topic gives greater power to the dark side of organizational life.