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Interpersonal Perceptions and the Emergence of Leadership Structures in Groups: A Network Perspective

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  • D. Scott DeRue

    (Department of Management and Organizations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Jennifer D. Nahrgang

    (Department of Management, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287)

  • Susan J. Ashford

    (Department of Management and Organizations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

Abstract

We develop and test a multilevel theory explaining how patterns of interpersonal perceptions explain the emergence of informal leadership structures in groups. At the group level, we hypothesize that the network pattern of competence and warmth perceptions among group members determines the amount of leadership exhibited (leadership structure density) and the degree to which the emergent leadership structure is centralized or shared (leadership structure centralization). We then identify two individual-level mechanisms underlying these group-level effects: (a) individuals’ identification with the group and (b) the differentiation of leader-prototypical roles within the group. Using social network analysis, we test these hypotheses in a sample of 255 MBA consulting teams working full time on projects in 41 different countries over seven weeks. Our findings establish the emergent nature of leadership structures in self-managing teams and foreground interpersonal perceptions as an explanation for why emergent, informal leadership structures vary across teams.

Suggested Citation

  • D. Scott DeRue & Jennifer D. Nahrgang & Susan J. Ashford, 2015. "Interpersonal Perceptions and the Emergence of Leadership Structures in Groups: A Network Perspective," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(4), pages 1192-1209, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:26:y:2015:i:4:p:1192-1209
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2014.0963
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boris Groysberg & Jeffrey T. Polzer & Hillary Anger Elfenbein, 2011. "Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: How High-Status Individuals Decrease Group Effectiveness," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(3), pages 722-737, June.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Gianluca Carnabuci & Cécile Emery & David Brinberg, 2018. "Emergent Leadership Structures in Informal Groups: A Dynamic, Cognitively Informed Network Model," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 29(1), pages 118-133, February.
    3. Claudio Vitari & Christophe David, 2018. "One-structure-fits-all or how the specific identity of the Permaculture movement fits into the general structure of the networks," Post-Print halshs-01923833, HAL.
    4. Stefano Tasselli & Alessandro Sancino, 2023. "Leaders' Networking Behaviours in a Time of Crisis: A Qualitative Study on the Frontline against COVID‐19," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), pages 120-173, January.
    5. Natalie J. Shin & Jonathan C. Ziegert & Miriam Muethel, 2022. "The Detrimental Effects of Ethical Incongruence in Teams: An Interactionist Perspective of Ethical Fit on Relationship Conflict and Information Sharing," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(1), pages 259-272, August.
    6. Tiziana Casciaro & Sigal G. Barsade & Amy C. Edmondson & Cristina B. Gibson & David Krackhardt & Giuseppe (Joe) Labianca, 2015. "The Integration of Psychological and Network Perspectives in Organizational Scholarship," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(4), pages 1162-1176, August.
    7. Charlotta Sirén & Vivianna Fang He & Henrik Wesemann & Zoe Jonassen & Dietmar Grichnik & Georg von Krogh, 2020. "Leader Emergence in Nascent Venture Teams: The Critical Roles of Individual Emotion Regulation and Team Emotions," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(5), pages 931-961, July.
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    9. He, Hongwei & Hu, Yansong, 2021. "The dynamic impacts of shared leadership and the transactive memory system on team performance: A longitudinal study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 14-26.

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