Briefly discuss abusive supervision.

Answers will vary. Research has investigated not only what makes leaders effective but also negative leadership behaviors. The most common include sexual harassment, physical violence, angry outbursts, public ridicule, taking credit for employees' successes, and scapegoating employees. Abusive supervision, as these behaviors are called, is estimated to affect about 13 percent of U.S. workers and leads to many negative consequences. Abused workers report diminished well-being along with increased deviance behavior, problem drinking, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion. In addition, abusive supervision increases absenteeism and reduces productivity. In fact, the cost of abusive supervision to U.S. corporations has been estimated at $23.8 billion. It is not clear why supervisors abuse others. Some research suggests that injustice experienced by supervisors increases the likelihood that they will, in turn, abuse others. Other studies suggest that abuse stems from the failure of managers to control themselves and handle stress. One type of stress that leads to abusive supervision is family-work conflict. Supervisors who experience high levels of conflict between family and work display more abusive behaviors toward direct reports. Please see the section "Emerging Issues in Leadership" for more information.