Embedded Leadership: How do You Lead a Leader?

Abstract

The current study uses a low fidelity simulation to test the effect a supervisor can influence the leadership style of his or her subordinates (i.e., embedded leaders). Using a sample of 236 undergraduates three variables were manipulated: high and low severity of individual level consequences, high and low severity of organizational consequences, and the supervisors motivational strategy (a coercive, a supportive, and a passive style). Overall, the study suggests that the leadership style an embedded leader (e.g., middle manager) uses is influenced by their superior's leadership style. It was found that effects of one level of leadership on another can be quite complex, in contrast to previous explanations that leaders either model or alternate leadership styles in response to their leader's approach.