Is Leadership Part of Me? An Identity Approach to Understanding the Motivation to Lead

Abstract

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I follow, therefore I lead: A longitudinal study of leader and follower identity and leadership in the marines

“…All else being equal, it seems that a follower identity may be more likely to promote this group‐serving behaviour than a leader identity. Not least, this is because a leader identity may increase a person's motivation to differentiate themselves from potential followers (Lord & Hall, ; Van Knippenberg & Hogg, ), where this can be realized by engaging in prototypical leader behaviours of dominance and confidence (Epitropaki & Martin, ; Guillén et al ., ; Smith & Foti, ). In contrast, prototypical follower behaviours include displays of industry and citizenship (Smith & Foti, ; Sy, ), where these behaviours that more clearly situate a person as striving within and for the group.…”

“…Importantly, as with any other self‐categorization, when a group member internalizes a role as leader or follower they are more likely to adopt and act in terms of role‐related goals, values and norms (Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, & Wetherell, ; Turner, Oakes, Haslam, & McGarty, ). So, where identifying as a leader should increase a person's tendencies to engage in behaviours that are prototypical of leaders (e.g., by being dominant and confident; Epitropaki & Martin, ; Guillén, Korotov, & Mayo, ; Smith & Foti, ), identifying as a follower should increase their tendencies to engage in behaviours that are prototypical of followers (e.g., by being industrious and a good citizen; Sy, ).…”