Art Padilla

While leadership scholars increasingly acknowledge the influence of followers in the leadership process, less attention has been paid to their role in the destructive leadership process. Specifically, the current debate lacks a broad-based understanding of different susceptible follower types that synthesizes related research across academic domains. Expanding on Padilla, Hogan, and Kaiser's (2007) toxic triangle model of destructive leadership, we integrate research and theory across various academic literatures to derive a cohesive taxonomy of vulnerable followers that we call the susceptible circle. We describe the core characteristics of each follower type, drawing on Barbuto's (2000) theory of follower compliance to highlight the psychological processes that motivate each follower to comply with destructive leaders. We then conclude by discussing theoretical and practical implications, as well as avenues for future research. " The German calamity of years ago repeats itself: People acquiesce without resistance and align themselves with the forces of evil. " —Albert Einstein, (Calaprice, 2011) Many organizations succeed, but many also fail. Some fail rather spectacularly. As recent high profile cases in the energy and financial sectors highlight, destructive leadership is often at the heart of many organizations' immense economic and social losses. These losses tend to spread far beyond the boundaries of those affected organizations (Tepper, Duffy, Henle, & Lambert, 2006). However, success and failure are seldom due to a single factor or individual (Meindl & Ehrlich, 1987; Meindl, Ehrlich & Dukerich, 1985). The leadership literature increasingly recognizes leadership as a complex process among leaders, followers, and contexts (Osborn, Hunt & Jauch, 2002; Shamir & Howell, 1999). The convergence of these three elements contributes to observed organizational outcomes, both positively and negatively. This paper focuses on destructive leadership and the susceptible followers who contribute to the toxic outcomes it creates. We seek to accomplish three principal goals. First, we expand on Padilla, Hogan, and Kaiser's (2007) toxic triangle model by synthesizing research across academic domains and deriving a taxonomy of vulnerable followers: the susceptible circle. Second, we propose several follower sub-types within the general categories of susceptible followership. We describe the core characteristics of these followers, drawing on Barbuto's (2000) theory of follower compliance in order to highlight the dominant psychological processes underlying each type of follower's compliance with destructive leaders. Third, we conclude by discussing implications of the susceptible circle, as well as an agenda for future research.