PsychTests study links rule-bending managers to weaker trust and performance

By AI, Created 5:31 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – A new PsychTests study of 314 managers says leaders who think rules do not fully apply to them are more likely to damage trust, credibility and team culture. The research also found ethical managers were more likely to earn stronger leadership ratings and support open, collaborative teams.

Why it matters: - PsychTests says managers who bend rules can erode the trust and credibility that teams need to perform. - The study links ethical leadership with stronger engagement, collaboration and long-term performance. - The findings suggest culture shifts when leaders treat standards as optional.

What happened: - PsychTests analyzed 314 people in managerial roles and split them into two groups: managers who believe they should be free to break or bend rules, and managers who believe ethical standards apply equally to themselves. - The research found the two groups showed broad differences in leadership behavior, not isolated differences. - Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests, said integrity directly shapes trust, engagement and long-term performance.

The details: - Among managers who justified rule-breaking, 47% said they rewarded favored employees regardless of performance, compared with 4% of ethical managers. - Among the same group, 40% said their staff did not take them seriously, compared with 5% of ethical managers. - 68% said they prioritized winning arguments over compromise, versus 30% of ethical managers. - 47% said they used delegation as a dominance tactic, versus 4% of ethical managers. - 53% said they would do whatever it takes to get ahead, including acting dishonestly, versus 4% of ethical managers. - 51% said making promises they cannot keep is sometimes necessary to retain customers, versus 2% of ethical managers. - 79% equated maximum efficiency with strict control and micromanagement, versus 45% of ethical leaders. - 23% blamed past failures on others, versus 1% of ethical managers. - PsychTests said ethical leaders were more likely to earn strong leadership ratings, encourage open communication, build collaborative teams and maintain credibility during conflict. - Dr. Jerabek said she has seen leaders promote long-term strategy while micromanaging small daily details, creating mixed signals for teams. - PsychTests AIM Inc. was founded in 1996 and describes itself as a global provider of psychometric assessments and leadership diagnostics.

Between the lines: - The study frames rule-bending less as a style issue and more as a signal of entitlement, pressure, insecurity or a need for control. - PsychTests argues that employees notice inconsistent behavior quickly and may disengage, resist or copy it. - The core risk is not just reputational. The research says selective accountability can spread through the organization and reshape norms.

What’s next: - Organizations can request an executive briefing from Dr. Ilona Jerabek to assess leadership integrity patterns or explore data-driven leadership diagnostics. - PsychTests is making the research available for media inquiries and follow-up discussion. - The company lists media contact details at ilona@psychtests.com and 514-745-3189 ext. 112. - PsychTests also provides social media links: LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

The bottom line: - PsychTests’ message is blunt: when managers treat rules as negotiable, teams lose trust first and performance later.