When Leaders Are Not Who They Appear: The Effects of Leader Disclosure of a Concealable Stigma on Follower Reactions

Authors

Gary A. Adams, Marquette UniversityFollow
Jennica R. Webster, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

12-2017

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Journal of Applied Social Psychology

Source ISSN

0021-9029

Abstract

Two studies examined follower reactions to disclosure of concealable stigma (i.e., transgender identity) by a leader. Using 109 employed participants, Study 1 showed followers rated leaders disclosing a stigma less likable and effective. This effect was both direct and indirect through relational identification with the leader. Using 206 employed participants, Study 2 found when a leader's stigma was involuntarily found out and disclosed later they received lower ratings of likability and effectiveness compared to leaders who voluntarily came out and disclosed earlier. Method (found out vs. came out) and timing of disclosure (later vs. earlier) had direct relationships with ratings of likability and effectiveness and method of disclosure had an indirect relationship with the outcomes via relational identification.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Vol. 47, No. 12 (December 2017): 649-664. DOI. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Adams, Gary A. and Webster, Jennica R., "When Leaders Are Not Who They Appear: The Effects of Leader Disclosure of a Concealable Stigma on Follower Reactions" (2017). Management Faculty Research and Publications. 310.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/mgmt_fac/310