In the article “Who’s to Blame for Creating a Toxic Organizational Culture (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.”  Guthrie presents the position that as the leader, New Jersey Governor  Chris Christie was responsible for harboring an environment that led to  what was termed Bridgegate. Based upon what you have learned thus far  about leadership and organizational culture, do you support or refute  Guthrie’s position? Cite at least one source to support perspective.  Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. 

REPLY TO EDWARDS DISCUSSION:

I support Guthrie’s position on New Jersey governor Chris  Christie being responsible for bridge gate because he had to have some  type of awareness to the situation before it blew up through one his  advisors. “Staff authority consists of the right to advise, or give  advice. Functional authority is the right to direct but not to  discipline” (Baack, 2017, p. 11.1). Just like any person in a high  leadership position, they have a group of advisors that give them  recommendations on what to do or say in certain situations. The New  Jersey governor had to have known something about the corruption through  his staff. 

In my opinion, he either chose to ignore the situation or he  told his advisors that it was their responsibility to fix the situation.  In regards to any leader, their toughest responsibility is to be the  speaker and address any issues, concerns, or apologies to the public. “They’re  shocked by the unethical or illegal conduct and righteously denounce  the perpetrators and their actions—all followed by swift firings or a  harsh scolding” (Guthrie, 2014). He simply showed false empathy to the  public and covered his laziness or nonchalant attitude towards the  corruption by firing people who worked underneath him.