No Access? No Problem! Taking Stock Of Unobtrusive Measures For Executives’ Deep-Level Characteristics
Abstract
The deep-level characteristics (e.g., personality, ability, values) of leaders have previously been found to influence key outcomes for followers, organizations, and more. However, many widely used measures of these deep-level characteristics (e.g., self-reported Likert scales) cannot be implemented when studying high-ranking leaders due to a lack of direct access to those types of leaders. In light of this challenge, scholars have developed indirect, unobtrusive measures to capture these deep-level characteristics. In this review, we examine the four overarching approaches prior scholars have used to indirectly measure leaders' deep-level characteristics—language, visual media, financials, and personal factors—and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Based on the patterns found, we also suggest avenues for future research.
Recommended Citation
Matthews, S. H., Wang, D. D., & Kelemen, T. K. (2024). No Access? No Problem! Taking Stock Of Unobtrusive Measures For Executives’ Deep-Level Characteristics. Leadership Quarterly, 35(1) Elsevier.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2023.101754
Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Keywords and Phrases
Deep-level characteristic; Leader; Personality; Unobtrusive measure
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1048-9843
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Feb 2024
