Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that shape followers’ initial reactions to leaders. Based on the literature on self-concept and leader categorization theory, it was hypothesized that followers’ self-concepts (specifically their self-esteem and self-construal) would predict their conceptualization of an ideal leader (i.e., their implicit leadership theory, ILT), which would then predict followers’ preferences for specific leadership styles. Using a sample of 206 university students, results indicated that the effects of independent self-construal on charismatic leader preference were partially mediated by the dedication ILT dimension, and the effects of interdependent self-construal were fully mediated by the sensitivity ILT dimension. Additional findings and directions for future research are discussed.
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