Role of Implicit Personality Theory In Leadership Research

Abstract

Implicit personality theory explains how individuals interpret the world around them including the events they experience and observe. Research in social and educational psychology indicates that one's implicit personality theory influences the extent to which one makes judgments about ability regarding the self and others. While some researchers have begun to apply the concept to organizational studies, this paper explains the value of extending that research into three areas important to leaders: (1) employee evaluation, (2) managerial feedback, and (3) work motivation.