Leadership is a phenomenon that creates positive effects on followers through its ability to influence and direct individuals' attitudes and behaviors, and is often studied in this positive light. However, alongside this constructive and positive aspect of leadership, it also has a destructive side that can lead to harmful outcomes. Toxic leadership, associated in the literature with various concepts such as "the dark side of leadership," "abusive leadership," and "destructive leadership," is considered one of these destructive aspects of leadership. Toxic leadership is a leadership style that creates detrimental effects on employees and organizations through the leader's negative personality traits and destructive behaviors.

This section examines the definition, fundamental characteristics, dimensions, and factors contributing to toxic leadership within a conceptual framework. Furthermore, the effects of toxic leadership behaviors on individuals and organizations are evaluated, and strategies for preventing and managing toxic leadership are outlined, presenting approaches that may be effective based on the literature. The findings show that toxic leadership behaviors negatively impact employees' physical health, job satisfaction, motivation, and organizational commitment by creating adverse work environments that lead to psychological distress. These negative effects on employees also lead to consequences at the organizational level, such as decreased performance and deterioration of organizational culture. Consequently, it is evident that toxic leadership causes lasting damage not only at the individual level but also at the organizational level. Therefore, effective strategies must be developed to prevent and manage toxic leadership behaviors. Although various strategies have been proposed in the literature for this purpose, approaches such as emotional intelligence training, ethical leadership practices, leadership development programs, and strengthening open communication channels stand out. Developing and implementing effective strategies to prevent and manage toxic leadership within organizations is critical for building an organizational culture based on ethical values where employees can feel safe; therefore, it is of critical importance for employee well-being and the sustainability of organizational performance.