Which of the following is a possible negative impact of a disproportionate mitigation response?

A disproportionate mitigation response, which may involve excessive or overly aggressive measures to address perceived threats, can lead to various negative consequences within an organization. One significant impact is disgruntlement among employees. When staff feel that their concerns are not being handled appropriately or if they sense an overreaction from management, it can foster a negative work environment. Employees may feel undervalued, mistrusted, or unfairly scrutinized, leading to lowered morale and job satisfaction.

In contrast to the other options, which point to positive outcomes, disgruntlement highlights the potential for dissatisfaction and disengagement. Increased reporting of threats may be a byproduct of heightened sensitivity, but if driven by fear or anxiety rather than genuine concern, it signifies a problematic environment. Enhanced employee engagement and heightened team cohesion are unlikely to arise from a context where individuals feel mistrust or fear retribution for their actions. Hence, the correct answer reflects the chilling effect a disproportionate response can have on workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of measured and appropriate responses to threats.