Rochester Creative Research Group

"A consistent, knee-jerk negative response to bad news or negative circumstances is a common occurrence and creates an unhealthy organizational culture. Many organizations are well known for shooting the messenger. Some managers have such a high negative emotional response to problems or bad news, their employees learn to avoid their manager in times of trouble or crisis. This is a deadly organizational circumstance because information that frequently could serve to eliminate a problem or stop a small crisis from escalation isn't shared up the ladder, as lower-level employees refuse to expose themselves to the inevitable wrath. The price the organization pays for allowing this negative culture is incalculable." (p. 79)