Detailed Record


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.
Authors Samuel H. Matthews University of WyomingORCID , Dawei Wang ORCID , Thomas K. Kelemen ORCID
Journal Info Elsevier BV | The Leadership Quarterly , vol: 35 , iss: 1 , pages: 101754 - 101754
Publication Date 2/1/2024
ISSN 1048-9843
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access closed Closed Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2023.101754
KeywordsKeyword Image Leadership (Score: 0.545971) , Transformational Leadership (Score: 0.521979) , Professionalism (Score: 0.514796) , Organizational Change (Score: 0.503482)