Do abusive bosses actually think that their tactics get results or engender respect from their employees?

Question

I've had several abusive bosses over the years, and I often wonder if they actually think that they're improving either their own situation or that of their employees by being verbally abusive. After all, their behavior does anything but engender respect from their employees or promote a positive work atmosphere. One would think that they would realize they're doing something wrong if they have employees who walk out on them out of the blue. Plus, one would also think that they would realize that a positive work atmosphere promotes greater productivity.

Answer 1

Abusive bosses' behavior has nothing to do with work environment or productivity. People who are abusive act that way for one common reason: control. There is something unstable or unhealthy within them, for a variety of reasons (ie deep insecurity, over inflated pride, their own abuse as children, on and on) that has caused them to develop an ego the size of Texas that is their #1 priority. They don't care how it affects the work environment. All they care about is putting others down, to lift themselves up. For people like that, yelling at others or putting others down is just a way to make themselves feel superior. It's childish and stupid, but way too common. You can also expect that bosses who are abusive like that in the workplace, are probably even worse at home with their families. It's a personality thing, not a work thing.

Answer 2

It might have worked for them a few times. Just move on and don't bother to try to teach them.