Why Punitive Leaders Are Destined to Fail

All too often, bosses will punish their direct reports for infractions ranging from poor performance to using the bathroom too frequently. It is an unfortunate part of human nature that people in power are prone to use their power to punish others in an effort to get them “to behave.”

However, all evidence from behavioral psychology suggests that punishment as a management or leadership strategy is doomed to failure. Here are four reasons why:

1. Punishment is a terrible motivational strategy.

The effect of punishment is to stop undesirable behavior. But stopping undesirable behavior doesn’t mean that the target of the punishment will start engaging in desirable behavior. They will just try hard to avoid further punishment.

There are instances where punishment is called for. If an employee is engaging in very bad and dangerous behavior—goofing around while operating dangerous equipment—punishment can help stop the behavior and prevent serious injury. Punishment, however, does not necessarily motivate someone to do what the boss wants.

2. Retribution.

Punishment, by definition, involves the infliction of harm—physical or psychological—to others. Although they may fear the punitive leaders, people who are punished are prone to “fight back.” They are motivated to try to somehow get revenge, perhaps when the boss is not looking. Punishment causes negative emotions, resentment, and the desire to “even the score,” and no leader needs those sorts of feelings in followers.

3. Punishment is inefficient.

Psychological research shows us that punishment is effective in stopping undesirable behavior when it is immediate, consistent, and focused solely on stopping the undesirable behavior—punishing the behavior, not the person. A leader who relies on punitive tactics becomes a “police officer,” constantly vigilant to administer the punishment quickly and consistently. Believe me, leaders have better things to do with their time.

4. Punitive strategies actually hurt the leader.

The best leaders are admired by followers. They possess what is called “referent power.” Followers are loyal to leaders that they admire. Punitive leaders lose the all-important referent power base.

What To Do?

Effective leaders use positive reinforcement to motivate followers. Offering rewards for good and productive behavior is a much better strategy. It focuses on what team members are doing right, and encourages that, rather than focusing on stopping what they are doing wrong.