Interpersonal aspects of leadership and implications for health and well-being
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Abstract
This dissertation explores the effects of interpersonal aspects of leadership on leader and follower work-related well-being. More specifically, unique combinations of leader and follower characteristics are examined in interaction, to determine their impact on emotional exhaustion and work engagement. This approach integrates relational as well as trait theories of leadership, and connects to research on occupational health via the application of relevant models and outcome variables. This dissertation is unique in its consideration of both leader- and follower- centered perspectives, and offers several important contributions to theory and practice. In two empirical studies, the mutual influence of leaders and followers is examined in reference to job demands-resources theory. The results demonstrate that both leaders and followers can constitute a job-related demand or resource for each other, depending on the combination of their individual characteristics. Traits, i.e. narcissism and emotional self-efficacy, as well as psychological well-being, i.e. emotional exhaustion and work engagement have been examined, and were related to the outcome variables. A qualitative literature review with a focus on the health of organizational leaders complements the empirical findings by emphasizing the relevance of interpersonal factors for employee health. The different levels of examination, i.e. team, intra-individual, inter-individual, as well as the different paths of influence, i.e. from leader to follower and from follower to leader, that have been considered throughout this dissertation are reflected in the respective research methods. In line with recent advancements in methodological standards, multi-level design and analyses have been applied in cross-sectional as well as longitudinal settings, together with a qualitative addition, the literature review.