Anatomy of dysfunctional working relationships

Purpose – The objective of this paper is o explore the negative consequences of dysfunctional working relationships on individuals, teams and organizations as a whole. More importantly, this article will equip leaders with the insights necessary to recognize the symptoms of this negative behavior and the skills leaders need to develop in order to minimize its impact on organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Illustrate the consequences of dysfunctional working relationships through real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions for identifying and eliminating the resulting negative behavior. Findings – Dysfunctional working relationships can wreak havoc on organizational effectiveness. But, there are early warning signs that leaders can recognize in order to intervene with appropriate action. Practical implications – In today's environment of corporate downsizing and a sluggish economy, there is increased pressure to produce more innovative solutions to problems with fewer resources. This confluence of factors creates a climate ripe for the growth of dysfunctional relationships. Originality/value – While harmony and cooperation are important, we have lost sight of the positive impact that healthy and constructive conflict can bring in terms of developing and applying optimal problem solving skills. Conflict, however, must be managed properly and not allowed to spiral into dysfunctional behavior.