Understanding the Dynamics of Leadership: The Role of Follower Self-Concepts in the Leader/Follower Relationship

In this paper we integrate recent theory and research on the self-concept with leadership theory. We conceptualize the self as being defined at three levels: the individual, interpersonal, and group levels. The effects of the self on information processing and behavior are mediated by the working se...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Organizational behavior and human decision processes 1999-06, Vol.78 (3), p.167-203
Main Authors: Lord, Robert G, Brown, Douglas J, Freiberg, Steven J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Leadership
Organizational behavior
Professional relationships
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Self esteem
Self image
Social interactions. Communication. Group processes
Social psychology
Theory
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Summary:In this paper we integrate recent theory and research on the self-concept with leadership theory. We conceptualize the self as being defined at three levels: the individual, interpersonal, and group levels. The effects of the self on information processing and behavior are mediated by the working self-concept, which is composed of self-views, possible selves, and goals (standards). Leaders are seen as producing short-run changes by influencing the working self-concept and more enduring changes through the development of chronic schema. Subordinates are also seen as influencing leaders' self-schema, both individually and collectively. Both practical and theoretical implications of this perspective are discussed.
ISSN:0749-5978
1095-9920
DOI:10.1006/obhd.1999.2832