How Leaders Affect Followers’ Identity Orientation? Theory Construction and Scale Development of Three-Level Identity Leadership
Author
Abstract
The main goal of this study is to develop a three-level identity leadership theory. Drawing on three-level identity orientation perspective, we propose that a leader can affect subordinates' identity orientation with his/her leadership behaviors and subsequently increase subordinates' performances. The purpose of Study 1 is to clarify the contents of three-level identity leadership. We conducted several semi-structured interviews and content analyses to develop the dimensions of three-level identity leadership. We found that individual identity leadership includes “respect and acceptance,” “tailored consideration,” and “autonomous development” behaviors. Relational identity leadership comprises “establishing connection,” “experience transfer,” and “providing support,” and collective identity leadership comprises “team-building,” “glory sharing,” and “maintaining justice.” The purpose of Study 2 is to develop the measurement scale of identity leadership and examine their validity. Our result shows that the three-level model is supported by empirical data. The reliability and validity of the scale are also confirmed. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and limitations and future research directions are provided.
Key Words
identity, identity orientation, social identity theory, leadership, identity leadership
