Date of Award

12-11-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Eleni Elder

Abstract

This quantitative study examined the relationship between demographic factors and faculty perceptions of organizational toxicity at four-year higher education institutions. Using the Perceived Organizational Toxicity Scale (POTS), data were collected from 131 faculty members across Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study investigated four dimensions of toxic behaviors: narcissistic, aggressive, unethical, and rigid behaviors. Key findings revealed that unethical behaviors were the most prevalent form of organizational toxicity (M=2.59, SD=1.05), followed by narcissistic behaviors (M=2.32, SD=.93). Significant demographic differences emerged across academic rank and seniority. Assistant and associate professors reported significantly higher levels of aggressive behaviors (M=2.51) compared to research assistants and adjunct professors (M=2.03), F(2)=3.28, p=.041. An important pattern was found, where faculty with 6-10 years of experience reported the highest toxicity levels, while those with two years or less reported the lowest levels. Faculty with greater seniority showed significantly higher perceptions of unethical behaviors, F(3,127)=4.88, p=.003. Racial differences were also significant, with White faculty reporting higher levels of unethical behaviors than Black faculty, F(2,128)=3.09, p=.049. The findings demonstrate that organizational toxicity is a systemic issue affecting faculty across all demographics, with unethical behaviors representing the most significant concern. The study provides evidence for targeted interventions addressing mid-career faculty stress and calls for comprehensive institutional reforms to address toxic workplace cultures in higher education.

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