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.