Training Adaptive Leadership: On the Role of Leader Cognitions and Behaviors

Abstract

Leaders in organizations face manifold challenges requiring them to be adaptive. Adaptive leadership describes a leader’s capability to respond with appropriate leadership behaviors to different situations. The present research investigates whether and how adaptive leadership can be learned. We propose that adaptive leadership is facilitated by both behavioral skills (i.e., the capability to engage in different leadership behaviors) and cognitive skills (i.e., the capability to perceive which leadership behavior is required in which situation) and tested this in two studies. Study 1 (N = 269) is an experiment that examined the effects of a leadership training using a 2 x 2 between-subjects design comparing four different conditions: a behavioral training, a cognitive training, a combined cognitive-behavioral training, and an active control group. Before and after the training, independent raters assessed trainees’ cognitive and behavioral skills in simulated leadership situations. Study 2 (N = 79) is an empirical study with experienced leaders that assessed the effects of a combined cognitive-behavioral training on leader cognitions and behaviors using self-reports and behavioral observations. The results indicate that adaptive leadership can be improved by training leaders’ cognitive and behavioral skills. These findings extend leadership theory and provide recommendations on how to train adaptive leaders.