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

J Appl Psychol. 2009 Jul;94(4):887-99. doi: 10.1037/a0014782.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aspirations, Psychological
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Organizational Objectives
  • Personnel Loyalty
  • Personnel Management / methods*
  • Professional Role / psychology*
  • Social Identification
  • Social Responsibility*
  • Social Values*