Abstract:
This article discusses the term pathocratic influence that is defined as "the effect someone has on others while seeking to gain advantage, creating a cabal of like-minded individuals, to the detriment of the well-being of others within the working, political and social environment". It can reach all parts of the organization persuading others to act and behave in a similar manner that can lead to the intrinsic flame of workplace passion being extinguished. Such behavior can lead to a toxic environment in which passion killers (people and things) can thrive. Those who use pathocratic influence can destroy what would otherwise have been great potential and promise that people could bring to the organization while drawing on the negative that include perceived failure of character and performance. They inhibit the passion (the love and desire) and commitment a person has for what they are doing and can have a long-lasting effect on motivation, output, performance and productivity. This article suggests that organizations put in place policies and procedure to help address causes of pathocratic influence and to address the impact as soon as possible. This can be achieved by organizations engaging people physically, emotionally and cognitively encouraging behaviour that creates a healthy, high performing and passionate workplace in which people feel valued.
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