A Literature Review on the Components of a Toxic Work Environment
Keywords:
Components, Toxic Work Environment, Toxic SocietyAbstract
Toxic work environments remain a relatively new issue in Thai society; however, ongoing discussions on social media have increasingly highlighted the prevalence of toxicity, often referred to as a “toxic society.” In this article, the term “toxic work environment” is used to describe such conditions, as working within a toxic social setting inevitably affects the psychological well-being of those involved. While the term “toxic society” lacks a universally accepted definition, numerous studies have identified various elements that may serve as indicators of toxicity. A review of relevant international research synthesized 13 components of toxic work environments, with seven components appearing in more than 30% of the studies, including bullying or excessive workload, harassment or threats, exclusion or ostracism, disrespect or rudeness, negative leadership including narcissism or authoritarianism, hostile or demeaning communication, and discrimination or inequality.
A recommendation for future research is to investigate the components of a toxic society in order to develop a standardized assessment tool. This tool could then be used to survey organizations, helping to screen for issues and measure the severity of toxicity that requires intervention. In the next phase, frameworks or models should be created and developed to reduce toxicity within organizations, both at the policy and operational levels. Continuous development efforts are also essential to foster and sustain a positive organizational culture built on well-being.
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