Contagion effect of global leaders' positive psychological capital on followers: does distance and quality of relationship matter

Joana Story, Carolyn Youssef, Fred Luthans, John E. Barbuto, Bovaird James A.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A key assumption of effective international human resource management (IHRM) is that global leaders influence and serve as role models for their followers, regardless of the inherent distance (physical and frequency of interaction) between them in today's global context or the quality of the relationship. Although considerable attention has been devoted to cultural differences between global leaders and their diverse followers and teams, this study investigates the impact that distance and quality of the relationship has on a sample of a Fortune 100 multinational firm's global leaders' level of positive psychological capital (PsyCap) contagion effect on their followers located around the world. The results indicated such contagion at a distance existed, but the quality of the relationship did mediate this effect. Moreover, the potential undesirable effects of distance seemed to be buffered by the global leaders' PsyCap. The potential limitations, needed future research and practical implications for IHRM conclude the article.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2534-2553
JournalInternational Journal Of Human Resource Management
Volume24
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Global leadership
  • Leadership at a distance
  • Leader contagion effect
  • Psychological capital

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Contagion effect of global leaders' positive psychological capital on followers: does distance and quality of relationship matter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this