The Relationship between Toxic Leadership Behavior and Employee Silence: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between toxic leadership and employee silence among the Department of Defense civil service employees located in the southeastern region of the United States. Hobfoll’s (1989) conservation of resources theory provided the theoretical foundation for this study. The researcher used a non-experimental correlational research design. The researcher collected 130 completed surveys via an online survey platform (Survey Monkey©). The results from this study showed there was a significant positive relationship between toxic leadership and employee silence. This study suggests that employees who experience or witness toxic behaviors by leaders tend to withhold valuable information that may impact the performance or productivity of an organization.