Leadership attributes valence in self‐concept and occupational self‐efficacy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between leadership‐relevant attributes and occupational self‐efficacy in management students. It is assumed that leadership‐relevant attributes are related to high self‐efficacy beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study management students from three different countries, namely Germany, Australia, and India, described to what degree they possess task‐ and person‐oriented leadership attributes and indicate their occupational self‐efficacy for their future profession. Data were analysed using regression analyses.

Findings

As expected, leadership‐relevant attributes were related to occupational self‐efficacy. Some support was found for the assumption that ratings of the importance of relevant attributes moderates the relationship between reported leadership‐relevant attributes and occupational self‐efficacy but only for task‐oriented attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small so that comparisons between subgroups were not possible. All data were self‐reported.

Practical implications

The results are relevant for career counselling. Looking at self‐description of individuals in terms of attributes relevant to their future job rather than working directly on their occupational self‐efficacy could be emphasised.

Originality/value

The study provides initial hints at the relationship between self‐description and occupational self‐efficacy in connection with future managers.

Citation

Schyns, B. and Sczesny, S. (2010), "Leadership attributes valence in self‐concept and occupational self‐efficacy", Career Development International, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 78-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620431011020907