Jaclyn A. VanSloten
2012
Citations
1
Influential Citations
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Journal
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Abstract
The present study examined causal relationships between attachment orientations—one’s working model for close relationships—and subsequent leadership styles. Individuals with secure attachment orientations demonstrate individual consideration and intellectual stimulation towards their followers, and individuals with anxious attachment orientations demonstrate a preoccupation with relationships. In contrast, individuals with avoidant attachment orientations are comparatively uninvolved in their interpersonal relationships, indicating discomfort with closeness/interdependence and inattentiveness to relationship-relevant information. These qualities may lead individuals with avoidant attachment orientations to exhibit less relational leadership, characterized by a concern with developing and maintaining good relationships, than individuals with secure or anxious attachment orientations. We found that participants primed with avoidant attachment conditions did indeed demonstrate less relational leadership than participants primed with secure, anxious, or neutral attachment conditions. The present findings may allow researchers to develop interventions to create more effective leaders.