Leadership, trustworthiness, and the mediating lens
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to propose and empirically test hypotheses concerning the influence of leadership behaviors on interpersonal perceptions of trustworthiness.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey research is employed to assess the dimensions of leadership behavior and dimensions of trustworthiness and to determine the relationships among the leadership behavior dimensions and trustworthiness dimensions.
Findings
Factor analyses support previous research advocating three dimensions of leadership behavior (relationship development, resource utilization, and image management) and three dimensions of trustworthiness (ability, benevolence, and integrity). A structural model (LISREL), testing the relationship among the three leadership behavior dimensions and the three trustworthiness dimensions, shows that image management influences perceptions of all three dimensions of trustworthiness, and relationship development influences the benevolence dimension of trustworthiness. Using analysis of variance, the research finds that younger individuals view leaders as being more trustworthy than older individuals do.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study include a survey research methodology and a sample of university students.
Practical implications
There are consequences to leaders' actions. This study shows that perceptions of trustworthiness can be influenced by leadership behavior.
Originality/value
Past research suggests that trustworthiness is an important component of a successful organization. This research supports the hypothesis that leadership behavior affects perceptions of trustworthiness, which is important to researchers and managers interested in how the behaviors of leaders influence other areas of the organization.
Keywords
Citation
Caldwell, C. and Hayes, L.A. (2007), "Leadership, trustworthiness, and the mediating lens", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 261-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710710732155
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited