Loading...
How and when perceptions of top management bottom-line mentality inhibit supervisors’ servant leadership behavior
Babalola, Mayowa T. Jordan, Samantha L. Ren, Shuang Ogbonnaya, Chidiebere Hochwarter, Wayne Soetan, Gbemisola T.
Babalola, Mayowa T.
Jordan, Samantha L.
Ren, Shuang
Ogbonnaya, Chidiebere
Hochwarter, Wayne
Soetan, Gbemisola T.
Abstract
Extending existing bottom-line mentality (BLM) perspectives, we provide a new theoretical account of how supervisors’ perceptions of top management BLM influence supervisors’ servant leadership (SL) behavior. Using role theory, we propose that these perceptions inhibit supervisors’ SL behavior by reducing their SL role conceptualization or the extent to which supervisors consider SL part of their work responsibility. Further, given that the process underlying the relationship between perceived top management BLM and supervisor SL behavior may be explained by social learning theory and human adaptive capacity perspectives, we examine the incremental validity of supervisor SL role conceptualization versus supervisor BLM and empathy as mediating mechanisms. We also propose low perspective-taking among supervisors as a boundary condition that exacerbates the negative effect of perceived top management BLM on SL role conceptualization, which then results in less servant leader behavior. Data from two multiwave field studies in China and the United Kingdom provided some support for our hypotheses. Across unique cultural contexts, our findings highlight the value of a role theory perspective in understanding perceptions of top management BLM. We discuss critical theoretical and practical implications of these findings and avenues for subsequent research.
Keywords
bottom-line mentality, servant leadership, role conceptualization, perspective-taking, role theory
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
49
Issue
5
Page Range
1662-1694
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Open
Controlled
Controlled
Notes
Withdrawn by repository administrators.