#93: The most common dysfunctional behavior in organizations

Surely, the most common dysfunctional behavior in organizations is passive-aggressive behavior. This is the use of inappropriate behavior as a means of confronting a problem indirectly.

Passive-aggressive behavior stems from a perceived lack of power and a feeling of powerlessness when interacting with someone perceived to be more powerful. It can also be triggered as a defense against appearing weak, such as when naturally competitive people are told to co-operate. Both are common in organizations.

According to current research, passive-aggressive behavior may result from socially protective instincts (for example, to keep the peace; to avoid mistakes; to preserve self-respect). Viewed this way, passive-aggressive behavior could actually be positive. In other words, it is not necessarily a personality disorder. It can be a social tactic, something that most of us use at times.

The management trick is to distinguish between the two.


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Copyright: 2007 James Henry McIntosh

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