Why do some senior leaders resort to intimidation to achieve KPIs?

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Senior Leaders May Resort to Intimidation to Achieve Key Performance Indicators Due to Profit-Driven Incentives

Some senior leaders resort to intimidation tactics such as gaslighting, screaming, shouting, and threatening staff because such behaviour is perceived to "get things done" and maintain their Key Performance Indicator (KPI) numbers. This phenomenon is rooted in a system where intimidation is rewarded when it directly boosts profits and delivers measurable results for the company. Consequently, Human Resources departments may be instructed by senior management to refrain from investigating or disciplining individuals who exhibit such behaviour, particularly if those individuals are significant revenue generators for the organisation.
The Profitability of Intimidation

The persistence of workplace bullying is often directly linked to its perceived profitability. Instances where leaders employ aggressive tactics are frequently justified by the argument that these methods achieve objectives and keep performance metrics high. The underlying driver, as suggested, is a form of "cold capitalism" where the immediate delivery of results and financial gains are prioritized. For example, a situation where a director yelled at a subordinate to gain access to a student's academic records, driven by the potential loss of tuition fees, illustrates how personal or institutional financial interests can fuel aggressive behaviour.
The Role of Senior Management in HR Inaction

Human Resources departments may decline to investigate or take disciplinary action against bullies due to directives from higher management. This inaction is particularly prevalent when the individual engaging in bullying behaviour is a substantial contributor to the company's revenue. The implication is that the financial contributions of these individuals often outweigh the need to address their conduct, leading to a culture where bullying is implicitly tolerated, if not indirectly encouraged, by those in power.
The Impact on Workplace Culture and Legal Frameworks

While many companies publicly condemn bullying and affirm the importance of respect, the reality on the ground can differ. The author notes that such behaviour persists because it is often rewarded financially. This dynamic can create a challenging environment for employees, where aggressive tactics are normalized. However, recent legal developments, such as Malaysia's criminalization of workplace bullying and harassment through amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in July of the previous year, signify a shift towards addressing severe psychological abuse and harassment as criminal offences rather than solely internal HR matters.

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Why do some senior leaders resort to intimidation to achieve KPIs?

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