The article analyzes the results of an empirical study of the causes of destructive motivation of personnel in Russian commercial organizations. The study was conducted by questioning two hundred employees of commercial organizations in Moscow. The purpose of the research is to reveal the opinion of employees on the causes of destructive motivation of personnel and measures for thei r elimination. The empirical study revealed the influence of organizational factors on the existence of destructive personnel motivation in organizations, such as: labor organization; remuneration system, benefits and career management; control over the activities of employees; group communications and organizational culture. The study revealed the impact of personal characteristics of employees on destructive motivation. In the course of the survey, the degree of influence of various groups of reasons on the demotivation of employees in the studied commercial organizations was revealed, as well as on the micro-political motivation of employees. In the course of the questionnaire, assessments of the main forms of destructive behavior were obtained, which allowed for developing more detailed recommendations for limiting this negative phenomenon. The practical significance of the research is the results of an analysis of various factors of the internal environment of the organization and the personal characteristics of employees that are significant for the formation of destructive motivation of employees of Russian companies in a transitional economy.