Connectionism in action: Exploring the links between leader prototypes, leader gender, and perceptions of authentic leadership

Braun, S.; Peus, C.; Frey, D.

Abstract

Building on the connectionist model of leadership perceptions, this research investigates the relationships between leader gender and authentic leadership perceptions from a leadership prototype perspective. In a five-study series, we tested different cognitive processing dynamics that influenced leadership perceptions. Study 1 (N = 271) demonstrated that female leader targets increased authentic leadership perceptions. Study 2 (N = 171) showed this association for each of the four dimensions of authentic leadership. Study 3 (N = 100) assessed the relationship between leader gender and authentic leadership perceptions with implicit measures (i.e., the accessibility of female names and female typed hobbies). Study 4 (N = 246) extended this processing dynamic to consideration, another communal leadership style. Finally, a lexical decision making task in Study 5 (N = 200) indicated that prototype inconsistent leadership styles (initiating structure, autocratic leadership) slowed down automated processing for female leader targets. We discuss contributions to information processing approaches to leadership and practical implications.

Citation

Braun, S., Peus, C., & Frey, D. (2018). Connectionism in action: Exploring the links between leader prototypes, leader gender, and perceptions of authentic leadership. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 149, 129-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2018.10.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 21, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Oct 25, 2018
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Nov 1, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 25, 2020
• Journal: Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
• Print ISSN: 0749-5978
• Electronic ISSN: 1095-9920
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 149
• Pages: 129-144
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2018.10.003
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1309955