Does it matter how I behave before I step into the leader role? Intrapersonal behavioral shift in temporary leadership role transition and its effect on perceived leadership effectiveness

Abstract

Although leader behavioral adaptability is generally considered a strength, there may be situations where large abrupt changes in behavior diminish perceptions of leadership effectiveness. We argue that in teams with rotating leadership, within-person behavioral shift in relationship- and task-oriented behaviors when transitioning from a nonleader to a leader role will negatively influence follower perceptions of leadership effectiveness. We also contend that this effect is stronger when teams receive behavior-focused training, and are thus more attuned to others’ behaviors. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a randomized controlled intervention study with 183 student teams. Results from multilevel polynomial regression analysis on the overall sample showed that a substantial shift in relationship-oriented behaviors negatively affected perceived leadership effectiveness, while the corresponding effect for task-oriented behaviors was not significant. While the predicted pattern of relationships was not found in the two subgroups, in control group teams an increase in task-oriented, or a decrease in relationship-oriented behaviors, by leaders following role transition was generally viewed positively, which was not the case for intervention teams. Implications of these findings for research, theory and practice are discussed.