Why Petty IT Tyrants Are the Real Enemy of Cybersecurity, Productivity, and Innovation

• DOI: 10.33423/jabe.v26i2.7050
• Publication Date: 2024-06-21T07:01:48Z
• Authors: John H. Batchelor; Timothy R. McIlveene; Dennis Barber

Despite purportedly acting in the best interests of the organization, many Information Technology (IT) managers succumb to desires for control and power that result in behavior that is detrimental to employees and, ultimately, the organization as a whole. Drawing from Ashforth’s seminal work on petty tyranny, we highlight the unique dynamics of IT-related tyranny, characterized by micromanagement and arbitrary control over user activities. Employing models that both illustrate petty tyranny emergence and delineate the lifecycle of IT petty tyranny, this work describes how individual predispositions and organizational factors catalyze and perpetuate tyrannical behaviors. In addition, we examine the harmful effects of IT petty tyranny on employee morale, productivity, and even organizational cybersecurity. We conclude with practical advice on how organizations can recognize and mitigate IT petty tyranny to avoid negative outcomes for employees and the organization.