The Positive Possibilities of Leader Political Behavior
B. Parker Ellen III
October 25, 2013
Agenda
• My Background
• My Research Interests
• Current Focus
• Leader Political Support
• Group Discussion
About Me
KHA
My Research
LEADERSHIP
• Are socially adaptable subordinates less affected by abusive supervisors?
• Does resource management ability limit the effects of supervisor narcissism?
• What are the drivers and effects of CEO duality?
• Does CEO tenure predict radical versus incremental firm innovation?
My Research
POLITICS
• Can employee voice counter highly political and accountable environments?
• Does political skill enhance opportunity recognition and capitalization?
• Do political environments magnify the effects of employee workaholism?
• Is employee performance = f (political motivation, ability, and context)?
My Research
LEADERSHIP
POLITICS
• Are authentic and political leadership really polar opposites?
• What leader behaviors explain the relationship between political skill and effectiveness?
• What can the government “showdown” teach us about leader political behavior?
• How can leaders behave politically to benefit their followers?
Why Politics & Leadership?
LEADERSHIP
POLITICS
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics
won't take an interest in you.”
~ Pericles
Politics in Organizations
“Corrupt (organizational) politicians make the other ten percent look bad.”
~Henry Kissinger
Political Behavior
Egregious
Acceptable
• Pressure
• Rational persuasion
• Threats
• Inspirational appeal
• Sabotage
• Exchange
• Coalitions
• Consultation
• Mutinies
• Collaboration
“Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect…self-interest…”
Leader Political Support
Definition: political acts and influence behaviors performed by leaders to
provide followers with valuable resources to advance individual, group, or
organizational objectives
Social Capital Theory
“The goodwill available to individuals or groups…”
“Credit slips” that leaders can cash in for information/valuable resources
Social Exchange Theory
“It is…mutual support that is the main concern of the participants.”
“The view that leaders participate in political activity to benefit
subordinates is consistent with the tenets of social exchange theory”
Conceptual Framework
Consequences of
Leader Political Support
Political Determinants
of Social Capital
Accountability
Environment
Political
Environment
Leader
Political Will
Leader
Political Skill
Leader
Social Capital
Leader
Communication
Team Outcomes
• Efficacy
• Viability
Leader
Political Support
Follower Characteristics
•
•
•
•
Leader Outcomes
• Effectiveness
• Reputation
Perception of norm
Equity perceptions
Exchange orientation
Attributions
Follower Outcomes
• Commitment
• Citizenship behavior
Group Discussion
Definition: political acts and influence behaviors performed by leaders to
provide followers with valuable resources to advance individual, group, or
organizational objectives
Political Behavior
Egregious
Acceptable
• Pressure
• Rational persuasion
• Threats
• Inspirational appeal
• Sabotage
• Exchange
• Coalitions
• Consultation
• Mutinies
• Collaboration
“Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect…self-interest…”
Thank you