The Impact of Unethical Leadership Practices on Employees’ Hierarchical Needs: A Descriptive Case Study
The Impact of Unethical Leadership Practices on Employees’ Hierarchical Needs: A Descriptive Case Study
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Issue Date
2025-11
Authors
Harris, Andrea
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Abstract
This qualitative descriptive case study explored how unethical leadership disrupts employees’ ability to satisfy fundamental human needs as defined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Unethical behaviors such as manipulation, exploitation, and abuse of authority were found to undermine employee well-being, trust, and workplace functionality. The purpose of this study was to examine employees’ lived experiences with unethical leadership and how such leadership influenced the fulfillment of their hierarchical needs across the dimensions of safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow’s framework guided the analysis of these relationships, providing insight into the ways unethical practices obstruct motivation and engagement. Purposeful sampling identified participants with experience in organizational settings affected by unethical leadership, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis to ensure triangulation and credibility. Thematic analysis revealed that unethical leadership impaired employees’ ability to meet psychological and professional needs, resulting in emotional exhaustion, diminished confidence, mistrust, and restricted professional growth. Participants described feelings of disengagement, anxiety, and a lasting sense of psychological strain that negatively influenced morale and organizational commitment. The findings underscored the urgent need for organizations to promote ethical leadership and protect employee well-being through leadership development, ethical training, and transparent reporting systems. These initiatives are essential for fostering trust, accountability, and a positive organizational culture. The study’s implications highlight the importance of ethical conduct as a foundation for employee motivation, retention, and long-term organizational success. Future research should examine how organizational climate moderates the effects of unethical leadership and identify proactive strategies to prevent such behaviors. Overall, this study advances understanding of how unethical leadership undermines the fulfillment of employees’ hierarchical needs, leading to adverse psychological, professional, and organizational outcomes, while offering practical guidance for cultivating ethical, human-centered leadership practices that support both individual and institutional effectiveness.
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Keywords
Unethical Leadership , Business, Engineering, Science, & Technological Innovation