Leader controlling behaviors and proactive behavior among police officers: perceived powerlessness mechanism

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores how controlling leadership behaviors, such as authoritarian leadership and abusive supervision, affect police officers’ proactive behavior. Specifically, it examines how perceived powerlessness mediates the relationship between these leadership styles and officers’ proactive behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares analysis to test our hypotheses, utilizing a sample of police officers employed within a regional police institution in Indonesia.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that both authoritarian leadership and abusive supervision have the potential to diminish or impede the proactive behavior of police officers by shaping their perception of powerlessness.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the broader understanding of how leader-controlling behaviors, such as authoritarian leadership and abusive supervision, impact the proactive behavior of police officers within the specific context of Indonesia.

Citation

Abdillah, M.R., Lambiombir, J., Anita, R. and Rahmat, A. (2024), "Leader controlling behaviors and proactive behavior among police officers: perceived powerlessness mechanism", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-04-2024-0047