When HR Fails: The Hidden Enabler of Toxic Leadership

The failure of HR departments to address toxic leadership isn’t just an ethical issue—it’s a financial one. Leaders like Harvey Weinstein thrived within organizations where HR failed to protect employees and hold those in power accountable. When toxic leadership goes unchecked, it leads to lost productivity, employee turnover, legal costs, and irreparable damage to a company’s reputation.

For CEOs and CHROs, the cost of ignoring these issues is too high. HR must evolve from a passive policy enforcer to an active champion for ethical leadership. By empowering HR, promoting transparency, and leveraging technology to identify problems early, organizations can prevent scandals and foster a culture of trust. The question is no longer whether to act—it’s how quickly can we make these changes to ensure the long-term success of the organization?