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Introduction 

Negative behaviour refers to actions or attitudes that are harmful, unproductive, or disruptive to oneself or others. It can manifest in a variety of ways, such as aggression, disrespect, dishonesty, apathy, or addiction. Negative behaviour can have serious consequences, such as damaging relationships, hurting one’s reputation, or causing physical or emotional harm. It is important to recognize and address negative behaviour, as it can impact one’s personal and professional life, as well as the well-being of those around them. In this article, we will explore the various types and causes of negative behaviour, as well as strategies for overcoming it.

Every action taken by humans has some kind of influence on the culture around them. Therefore, destructive behaviours are certain to have destructive results in any society in which they are widespread.

Type of Negative Behaviour

The following are some examples of behaviours that are considered to be problematic in our society today:

1. Aggression: This is a hostile and often violent behaviour that can include physical harm or verbal attacks. It can also include behaviours such as intimidation, bullying, and verbal abuse.
2. Passive-aggressive behaviour: This is a type of behaviour where the person appears to be cooperative and compliant on the surface but is actually resistant or uncooperative in subtle ways. This can include behaviours such as sulking, procrastination, and intentionally ignoring requests.
3. Manipulation: This is a behaviour where the person attempts to control or influence others in a deceptive or underhanded way. This can include behaviours such as lying, guilt-tripping, and using emotional manipulation.
4. Narcissism: This is a behaviour where the person has an inflated sense of self-importance and lacks empathy for others. This can include behaviours such as self-centeredness, entitlement, and an obsession with power and status.
5. Passive behaviour: This is a behaviour where the person avoids taking action or making decisions and allows others to make decisions for them. This can include behaviours such as indecisiveness, procrastination, and a lack of assertiveness.
6. Jealousy: This is a behaviour where the person experiences envy or resentment towards others, often leading to behaviours such as gossiping, sabotage, and emotional outbursts.
7. Hostility: This is a behaviour where the person exhibits anger, hostility, or bitterness towards others, often leading to confrontations and conflicts.
8. Withdrawal: This is a behaviour where the person avoids social interaction or becomes emotionally distant from others, often leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
9. Dishonesty: Dishonesty may manifest itself in a variety of ways. It might take the shape of cheating on an exam, fraud, impersonation, stealing money from the government or from an individual, or any number of other deceptive practices. A dishonest individual is typically untrustworthy in any situation, including positions of power, and this holds true across the board.
10. Greed for money:  This refers to an excessive drive to gain riches, even to the point when doing so would not be required to meet one’s needs. This is still a problem in Nigeria today, particularly among public officials, who take advantage of their positions to enrich just themselves and their group of friends at the expense of the nation.
11. Ostentatious living:  This is an extravagant display of one’s riches. This may be done by flaunting a large number of expensive automobiles, sprinkling cash about at social gatherings, and engaging in any number of other sorts of ostentatious behaviour designed to let people know that the person in question is affluent. This has led to a rise in the number of illegal operations since many people, in their efforts to get this money, have resorted to illegal acts.
12. Disregard for time: This phenomenon, often known as “African time,” refers to a circumstance in which individuals wilfully fail to stick to the agreed-upon period of engagement. Some people even do it on purpose to demonstrate how influential or affluent they are in the community. An illustration of this would be a wealthy individual who purposefully shows up to a gathering after everyone else has already arrived.
13. Drug trafficking: The illegal selling and distribution of drugs is referred to as “drug trafficking.” It also includes growing, making, and selling drugs for illegal use. The effects of drug abuse are felt by everyone.
14. Examination malpractices: Unacceptable behaviours during examinations include copying, as well as any and all actions that may be used to cheat, both before and during the examination
15. Cultism: This is especially common in positions of authority, such as in educational institutions, as well as among powerful members of society. Their operations are often conducted in secret, and the nature of their work might be described as being more or less clandestine.

Effects of Negative Behaviours on our Society

Society suffers from a variety of consequences as a direct result of negative behaviour, some of which are as follows:

1. Increased crime rate: Negative behaviours such as violence, theft, and vandalism can lead to an increase in the crime rate in society. This can lead to a breakdown of law and order, leading to a sense of insecurity among citizens.
2. Strained relationships: Negative behaviours can cause strains in relationships between individuals, families, and communities. This can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and depression.
3. Reduced trust: Negative behaviours can lead to a loss of trust in individuals, institutions, and society as a whole. This can result in a lack of cooperation and collaboration, hindering progress and development.
4. Decreased productivity: Negative behaviours can reduce productivity in society, leading to a decrease in economic growth and development.
5. Health problems: Negative behaviours such as substance abuse and smoking can lead to health problems such as addiction, cancer, and respiratory diseases, leading to a burden on healthcare systems and reduced quality of life.
6. Environmental damage: Negative behaviours such as littering, pollution, and deforestation can lead to environmental damage and degradation, impacting natural resources and biodiversity.
7. Discrimination: Negative behaviours such as racism, sexism, and homophobia can lead to discrimination and prejudice, leading to social inequality and injustice.
8. Poor education: Negative behaviours such as truancy, bullying, and disruptive behaviour can lead to poor education outcomes, hindering the development of human capital and potential.
9. Economic inequality: Negative behaviours such as corruption and fraud can lead to economic inequality and unfair distribution of resources, hindering poverty reduction efforts.
10. Political instability: Negative behaviours such as political violence and extremism can lead to political instability, hindering democracy and peacebuilding efforts.
11. Value orientation: The value orientation of society may be adversely affected when people behave in impolite ways. A culture that reveres its members only for the amount of money they own shows little consideration for the traditional principles of honouring one’s elders and other aspects of society’s values.
12. Bribery and other forms of corruption:  A flamboyant lifestyle combined with an insatiable desire for financial gain has caused many people to get engaged in corrupt activities. This is one of the factors that has contributed to the widespread corruption that exists in Nigeria today.
13. A lack of effectiveness and poor leadership. The negative behaviour of others is a leading cause of inefficiency in the workplace as well as in other areas of society. It also supports poor leadership in organisations.

Ways of Promoting Positive Behaviours in Our Society

 The following is a list of some of the ways that good behaviour may be encouraged in our society:

1. Encouraging Positive Reinforcement: People tend to repeat behaviours that have been positively reinforced, so it is important to recognize and acknowledge positive behaviours in others, as well as in ourselves.
2. Providing Clear Expectations: When people understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave in a way that meets those expectations. Clear communication and well-defined rules can help set a positive tone for behaviour.
3. Role Modeling Positive Behaviors: Leading by example is an effective way to promote positive behaviours in others. When we consistently model positive behaviour, it can influence others to do the same.
4. Building Positive Relationships: When people feel connected to others and are part of a positive community, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviours. Building positive relationships and social connections can help foster this sense of community.
5. Providing Support and Resources: When people feel supported and have access to resources that can help them meet their goals, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviours. Providing support and resources can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve success.
6. Using Positive Language: The way we communicate can have a big impact on how others perceive us and how they behave. Using positive language and avoiding negative or critical language can help create a positive environment.
7. Fostering a Sense of Belonging: When people feel like they belong to a group or community, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviours. Fostering a sense of belonging can help individuals feel valued and connected.
8. Celebrating Diversity: Embracing diversity and recognizing the unique qualities and strengths of individuals can promote positive behaviours and reduce discrimination or prejudice.
9. Providing Opportunities for Growth: When people have opportunities to learn and grow, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviours. Providing opportunities for personal and professional development can help individuals feel empowered and motivated.
10. Encouraging Collaboration: Collaboration and teamwork can help promote positive behaviors by fostering a sense of cooperation and shared purpose. Encouraging collaboration can help individuals feel valued and supported.
11. Responsibility and Leading by Example: This point emphasizes the responsibility of parents and leaders to set a positive example for others to follow by obeying the laws and societal standards. The idea is not to be hypocritical and just preach good behaviour but to actively practice it. This helps to create a culture of positive behaviour that can be emulated by others.
12. Reinforcement through Punishment and Rewards: This point suggests that positive behaviour can be encouraged by reinforcing it through appropriate punishment for those who misbehave and rewards for those who display exemplary behaviour. The goal is to reinforce positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour by creating consequences for both.
13. Education and Awareness: This point emphasizes the need to educate people on the importance of exhibiting good behaviour everywhere they go. It suggests that government agencies, such as Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), can play a role in promoting good behaviour. Non-governmental organizations can also be involved in campaigns to increase awareness about the need for positive behaviour.
14. Religious Leaders as Role Models: This point suggests that religious leaders can play an important role in promoting positive behaviour by preaching the need for their followers to exhibit constructive behaviour. Religious leaders have the ability to influence their followers’ behaviour through their teachings and guidance. By emphasizing the importance of good behaviour, religious leaders can create a culture of positivity and inspire their followers to lead by example.