Current research suggests that it is driven by the personality and emotional intelligence of senior management, particularly the chief executive officer. CEOs who are autocratic and overly conscientious may create an environment that inhibits spontaneity, is intolerant of errors and prizes only the routine. Such a culture breeds stress by inhibiting the flexibility needed in today's workplace. Leaders who are charismatic and inspirational may create a culture where the CEO's view is imperative, alternative views are devalued, and criticism of superiors is dangerous. Hypervigilant CEOs may enforce a culture where openness becomes dangerous and retribution is felt to be the norm.
Workers find themselves becoming more secretive, and less openly communicative.
Anxiety, mistrust and helplessness rise. Empathic leaders often facilitate a culture where constructive disagreement is tolerated, openness is the norm and respectful assertiveness is commonplace. Such organizations tend to offset employees' stress and enhance their productivity. They have a capability to recognize and manage their own feelings and to build mutually satisfying relationships. And they have a competence to take advantage of the shifting external environment and a capacity for optimism.