Disrespect and Power Threat as Predictors of Destructive Leadership: The Mediating roles of Anger and Acceptance Anxiety, and the Moderating effects of  Agreeableness and Machiavellianism

This study examines power threat induced by work group members and disrespect conveyed by work group members as predictors of destructive leadership behaviours of group leaders, mediated by anger and acceptance anxiety. The moderating roles of the personality traits Machiavellianism and agreeableness are also addressed. A 2x2 full factorial design was used (power threat: high vs. low, disrespect: high vs. low). 134 students from Leiden University were randomly assigned to the conditions as research participants. ANOVAs showed that disrespect from subordinates instils anger and acceptance anxiety in work group leaders. Power threat also instils anger and acceptance anxiety in work group leaders. Mediation analysis showed that disrespect, through anger, leads to destructive leadership. Mediation analysis also showed that disrespect and power threat, through acceptance anxiety, do not lead to more constructive leadership. Moderation analysis showed that Machiavellianism moderates the...Show moreThis study examines power threat induced by work group members and disrespect conveyed by work group members as predictors of destructive leadership behaviours of group leaders, mediated by anger and acceptance anxiety. The moderating roles of the personality traits Machiavellianism and agreeableness are also addressed. A 2x2 full factorial design was used (power threat: high vs. low, disrespect: high vs. low). 134 students from Leiden University were randomly assigned to the conditions as research participants. ANOVAs showed that disrespect from subordinates instils anger and acceptance anxiety in work group leaders. Power threat also instils anger and acceptance anxiety in work group leaders. Mediation analysis showed that disrespect, through anger, leads to destructive leadership. Mediation analysis also showed that disrespect and power threat, through acceptance anxiety, do not lead to more constructive leadership. Moderation analysis showed that Machiavellianism moderates the effects of disrespect on acceptance anxiety. The implications of this study, as well as limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less

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Disrespect and Power Threat as Predictors of Destructive Leadership: The Mediating roles of Anger and Acceptance Anxiety, and the Moderating effects of Agreeableness and Machiavellianism