Implicit leadership theories in Eastern and Western Europe

Abstract

Modern theories of leadership emphasize cognitive interaction between leaders and followers. Experience shows that the right personality, the correct behaviour or an appropriate situation for leading are not enough; successful leader performance depends to a large extent on how the leader is accepted by his or her followers. That is why the study of implicit leadership theories that determine these perceptions is important. Implicit leadership theories can be considered as cognitive schemata or prototypes that enable a person to categorize the behaviour of the leader. In the present study, the implicit theories of Eastern and Western middle managers are compared. Results show similarities and differences in the prototypicality rating of 21 leadership behaviours perceived by Eastern and Western managers. Possible influences of cultural differences due to the different historical development of these regions are indicated. The implications of the results for selection and development of leaders are discussed.

Keywords

Implicit personality theories Leadership National culture

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