Managers’ Toxic Masculinity Erodes Employees’ Work Ethics in Private Institutions of DRC’s City of Bukavu

Purpose: This research has explored views of employees in Bukavu (DRC) private institutions regarding ways managers’ toxic masculinity damages employers’ work ethics at workplace. Methodology: Researchers conducted this qualitative study in the city of Bukavu between April and June 2024 with randomly selected 25 respondents from five private institutions. Respondents were Congolese females and males whose ages varied between 19 and 63. Data was collected via face-to-face focus group discussions, with in-depth interviews. The theories of masculinity and control guided the research. Masculinity posits that managers must exert power and control over their employees at workplace. Managers resorting to toxic masculinity damage the ethics of their workers, which can affect productivity. Findings: Results reveal how a manager may use toxic masculinity to deride the workers, which kills their appreciation and motivation for work. Managers applying domination, homophobia, giving poor and unfair salaries, abusing employees and discriminating against them are perpetuating toxic masculinity in their institutions. These factors are demotivating and destructive agents for employees’ ethics at work because they convey toxic masculinity through power and control, all causing work unproductivity. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research suggests that employers should develop progressive masculinity at work by valuing and respecting the workers. The perspective can boost collaboration; sustain commitment and harmony at work. Socializing constructive manliness can create a conducive work environment in private institutions of Bukavu, increase workers’ commitment to work, as well as the production.