Being Rude to the Boss Is Taking a Serious Toll And Not the One You’d Expect
Local government CEOs aren’t just dealing with tight budgets and tough decisions, they’re also fending off a rising tide of rudeness, and it’s leaving scars beneath the surface.
A new study led by researchers from the University of Western Australia (UWA) has found that workplace incivility directed at local government Chief Executive Officers is not only frequent, but also deeply damaging to their mental and physical wellbeing.
Published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, the study highlights how consistent low-level rudeness, such as condescending remarks, dismissive attitudes, or public undermining, creates a toxic emotional load for leaders. The research shows that this steady drip of disrespect takes a measurable toll: CEOs reported increased psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and even physical health issues.
“Rude behaviour might seem trivial or just part of the job,” says lead author Professor Sharon Parker of UWA’s Centre for Transformative Work Design, “but for these leaders, it builds up. It affects how they sleep, how they think, and ultimately how they perform.”
The study involved in-depth interviews with dozens of Australian local government CEOs, revealing a work culture that often tolerates incivility, especially when it comes from elected officials or the public. Many leaders shared stories of being interrupted, second-guessed, or publicly humiliated, sometimes daily.
One CEO described the experience as “death by a thousand cuts.”
The effects weren’t just personal, the stress spilled into leadership decisions, team morale, and organizational outcomes. Prolonged exposure to disrespect made leaders more likely to withdraw emotionally, doubt their competence, or even leave the role entirely.
The researchers are now urging a shift in how we view workplace respect, especially for those in high-pressure public roles.
“This isn’t just about manners,” Professor Parker explains. “It’s about creating sustainable leadership. If we don’t protect the wellbeing of our leaders, we jeopardize the health of our entire institutions.”
As local governments face mounting challenges, from climate resilience to housing crises, the study sends a clear message: respecting leadership isn't just polite, it’s essential.