Journal of Applied Psychology 2009

When does self-sacrificial leadership motivate prosocial behavior? It depends on followers’ prevention focus.

David De Cremer¹; David M. Mayer²; Marius van Dijke³; Barbara C. Schouten⁴; Mary Bardes²

¹ Erasmus University Rotterdam · ² University of Central Florida · ³ Open University of the Netherlands · ⁴ University of Amsterdam

Abstract

In the present set of studies, the authors examine the idea that self-sacrificial leadership motivates follower prosocial behavior, particularly among followers with a prevention focus. Drawing on the self-sacrificial leadership literature and regulatory focus theory, the authors provide results from 4 studies (1 laboratory and 3 field studies) that support the research hypothesis. Specifically, the relationship between self-sacrificial leadership and prosocial behavior (i.e., cooperation, organizational citizenship behavior) is stronger among followers who are high in prevention focus. Implications for the importance of taking a follower-centered approach to leadership are discussed.

DOI

10.1037/a0014782

Sources

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