In search of the pseudo-transformational leader: A person-centered approach

Amy Wei Tian, John P. Meyer, Tatjana Ilic-Balas, Jose A. Espinoza and Susan Pepper

Journal of Business Research, 2023, vol. 158, issue C

Abstract: Unlike truly transformational leaders who inspire and empower others to achieve a collective good, pseudo-transformational leaders (pseudo-TL) do so for their own gain.Christie et al. (2011) found preliminary support for a behavioral model proposing that pseudo-TL display the same inspirational motivation as authentic-transformational leaders (authentic-TL), but fail to display other typical transformational behaviors. In this study, we take a person-centered approach to replicate and extend Christie et al.’s (2011) research. We included leader self-interest as an attributed quality of pseudo-TL along with the transformational leadership facets. In two studies (an experimental simulation, N = 154; a survey study, N = 292), we found that while both displayed inspirational motivation, compared to authentic-TL, pseudo-TL were rated lower on intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration and idealized influence.They were perceived as more self-interested, less trustworthy, and evoked lower levels of trust. We identified five distinct profiles in Study 2, suggesting the possible need to expand the concept of pseudo-TL beyond that proposed by Christie et al. (2011).

Keywords: Pseudo-transformational leadership; Authentic-transformational leadership; Leader self-interest; Leader trustworthiness; Trust in leader; Person-centered approach (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:158:y:2023:i:c:s0148296323000334

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113675

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