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Virtuous Leadership: Exploring the Effects of Leader Courage and Behavioral Integrity on Leader Performance and Image

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Abstract

We examined the relationship between leader behavioral integrity and leader behavioral courage using data from two studies. Results from Study 1, an online experiment, indicated that behavioral manifestations of leader behavioral integrity and situational adversity both have direct main effects on behavioral manifestations of leader courage. Results from Study 2, a multisource field study with practicing executives, indicated that leader behavioral courage fully mediates the effects of leader behavioral integrity on leader performance and leader executive image. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology, 108 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA

    Michael E. Palanski & Chelsea M. Nichols

  2. Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, NC, USA

    Kristin L. Cullen & William A. Gentry

Authors
  1. Michael E. Palanski
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  2. Kristin L. Cullen
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  3. William A. Gentry
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  4. Chelsea M. Nichols
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Correspondence to Michael E. Palanski.

Appendix: Manipulations for Adversity in Study 1

Appendix: Manipulations for Adversity in Study 1

Statement to Employees (High Adversity)

Monet Incorporated today announced revenue has declined 73 % compared with the previous year.

With further deterioration of global economic conditions, we are doing everything we can do to increase efficiency, lower cost, and become more sustainable. We are not only trying to bring us out of the weaken economy strong, but we will become one of the biggest services manufacturers in the world as a provider of business solutions for millions of software users.

Layoffs may be the solution to our problems, especially with our aging workforce. As of tomorrow, HR will be conducting thorough analysis of employee productivity to ensure that all positions are necessary to bring us to this next step. Please be prepared to see some changes in the organizational structure of the business within the next few months. We ask that you cooperate with the HR professionals as they observe your work, and prepare to justify why your position is important to the company. We will be establishing resume builder workshops, as well as job search tips to accommodate those who may be laid off. Thank you in advanced for your cooperation.”

Statement to Employees (Low Adversity)

Monet Incorporated today announced a revenue increase of 12.7 % compared to the previous year (see Charts 1, 2). The last 4 years have been tough as we transform the company. However, we have overcome a lot, and we are so happy with the results.

We believe that we are on a strong path that will lead to sustainability in the competitive marketplace. We hope to continue down this successful path by maintaining our core values. We are proud of our hard-working employees and we have high expectations for this upcoming year.

Chart 1
figure 2

Partial example of behavioral integrity manipulation (High BI)

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Chart 2
figure 3

Partial example of behavioral integrity manipulation (Low BI)

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Palanski, M.E., Cullen, K.L., Gentry, W.A. et al. Virtuous Leadership: Exploring the Effects of Leader Courage and Behavioral Integrity on Leader Performance and Image. J Bus Ethics 132, 297–310 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2317-2

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