Linking toxic leadership to exit, voice, silence and neglect: the mediating role of loyalty

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to analyze the relationship between toxic leadership and exit, prosocial voice, neglect and defensive silence. Second, this study investigates the mediating role of loyalty in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 544 individuals was used in this study. Findings The results suggested that toxic leadership positively influences exit, defensive silence and neglect and negatively influences prosocial voice. In addition, loyalty was found to be a partial mediator of the studied relationships. Originality/value This study addresses different theoretical debates, namely, loyalty as an attitude or behavior and its role in individuals’ responses and the relationship between silence and voice.