Rude bosses 'harm' companies

Domineering figures are often thought to be the stereotype of powerful leaders and high-performing organizations, but recent studies suggest otherwise.

In an opinion piece in The New York Times, Christine Porath, an associate professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, reveals a series of studies that show how incivility can harm an organization.

Nevertheless, Porath’s surveys show rudeness has become more widespread in workplaces. In 1998, 25 percent of people said they had been treated rudely. By 2005, this figure had nearly doubled and in 2011 it exceeded 50 percent.

Incivility can include walking away from a conversation, taking calls in a meeting, insulting subordinates in front of other people, pointing out people's roles and titles, taking credit for achievements and blaming others for problems.

Such behavior can harm employees’ health, such increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as affecting their performance, in the form of holding back from contributing ideas or asking questions. The workers also are more prone to errors and miss information and become unable to process information as well or as efficiently.

When Porath asked individuals in more than 17 industries why they behave this way, more than half said it was because they were overloaded with work. Over 40 percent said it was because they did not have time to be nice.

In many cases, people act badly not out of malicious intent, but because they do not know better, Porath said. Smart gadgets had also become a huge distraction.

In addition, many do not believe they will benefit from being nice _ 25 percent think they will be less like a leader, almost 40 percent think they will be taken advantage of and nearly 50 percent think being tough gets them power.

But civility gets people further at work, according to a recent study by Alexandra Gerbasi and Sebastian Schorch at the Grenoble Ecole de Management.

With regard to uncivil people who succeed, Porath says they have done so in spite of it, not due to it.

Studies by Morgan W. McCall Jr., a professor of management and organization at the University of Southern California, show the top characteristic associated with a leader's failure is an inconsiderate, abrasive or dominating style.

Porath suggests leaders can start by listening, smiling, sharing and thanking others more often, as another study shows a smile and a thank you help a person be perceived as warmer, more competent and civil.

Removing distractions such as smart gadgets can also help, she says.