Differentiating transformational and non-transformational leaders on the basis of neurological imaging

Balthazard, Pierre A.; Waldman, David A.; Thatcher, Robert W.; Hannah, Sean T.

doi:10.1016/j.leaqua.2011.08.002

Cited by 111 publications

(152 citation statements)

References 90 publications

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“…In the leadership literature, the neuropsychological constructs of cognitive control and decision-making have been linked to transformational leadership, with these leaders showing patterns of resting state electro-encephalographic (EEG) activity reflective of strengths in these two functions (Balthazard et al 2012;Hannah et al 2013). However, the ways in which cognitive control and decision-making come together to influence transformational leadership have not been adequately explored.…”

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Beyond this, little is known about how executive functions are associated with managerial or leadership behaviors. Recent electroencephalography (EEG) research has indicated that transformational leadership may be linked to executive function (Balthazard et al 2012;Peterson et al 2008). The specific executive functions of cognitive Fig.…”

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 The human prefrontal cortex and its components control (Balthazard et al 2012;Zaccaro et al 1991) and decision-making (Hannah et al 2013;Connelly et al 2000), that have been preliminarily associated with leadership may present relatively thin-sliced mental capacities that can benefit from further exploration. EEG research has indicated that transformational leaders experience low phase lock duration of alpha brain waves in most parts of the brain, perhaps indicating higher cognitive control (especially cognitive flexibility) in these leaders (Balthazard et al 2012). This lower connectivity of alpha brain waves was highest in the frontal and prefrontal areas (Fig.…”

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, while EEG has indicated that transformational leaders may possess a unique pattern of brainwaves (Balthazard et al 2012) we attempt to (1) translate this biomarker into quantitive, ecologically transparent, behavioral (neuropsychological) measures of brain function in these prosocial leaders and (2) pinpoint how different levels of these specific executive functions (cognitive control and decision-making) interact to explain variance in transformational leadership above and beyond extraversion and GMA.…”

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Exploring the Neuropsychological Antecedents of Transformational Leadership: the Role of Executive Function

Ramchandran

Colbert

Brown

et al. 2016

Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology

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This research explores brain-behavior relationships in prosocial, effective leadership by introducing executive function (higher-order brain function) as an individual difference. One hundred and five mid-level and senior managers were assessed on scientifically-valid neuropsychological tests that capture important dimensions of executive function. Two dimensions of executive function, control (inhibition of pre-potent response, flexible thinking) and decision-making, interacted to predict transformational leadership. This effect was found controlling for the extant antecedents of extraversion and general mental ability. Specifically, transformational leadership was associated with (1) high inhibition of pre-potent response in the presence of low-risk decision-making, and (2) either mental flexibility or low-risk decision-making, interchangeably. This suggests that the relationship between various executive function constructs and leadership is complex, and strengths in some cognitive capacities can substitute for limitations in others. Implications of the role of these interactions in facilitating transformational leadership are discussed.

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Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Executive Function As An Antecedent To Transformational Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Exploring the Neuropsychological Antecedents of Transformational Leadership: the Role of Executive Function

Ramchandran

Colbert

Brown

et al. 2016

Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In particular, it augments our understanding of the neuroscience of inspirational leadership by complementing previous research that has focused on the neurological processes of leaders who are generally perceived to be particularly inspirational, charismatic, or transformational (Balthazard et al, 2012;Waldman et al, 2011a). It does this by shedding light on those processes that are involved in actual inspiration-as experienced by followers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 61%