Trickle down effects of work meaningfulness through visionary leadership
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2015-08-07
Author(s)
Abstract
Experiencing work as meaningful benefits both individuals and organizations. While prior research has indicated that leaders may shape followers’ work meaningfulness, little is known about the role of leaders’ own work meaningfulness in this process. Drawing from self-concept based theory and interpersonal sensemaking processes, we argue that work meaningfulness trickles down from strategic leaders to mid-level leaders to employees through visionary leadership. Additionally, we propose that organizational tenure shapes this transfer in such a way that leaders’ influence is higher for followers new to the organization. Finally, we expect work meaningfulness to positively relate to important behavioral outcomes across different hierarchies. In order to test the derived hypotheses, we conducted two multilevel studies among 54 CEOs and 267 mid-level managers (Study 1), and 39 mid-level leaders and 173 employees (Study 2). Using multilevel structural equation modeling, our results confirmed most hypotheses. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Event Title
75th Academy of Management Annual Meeting (AOM) 2015 "Opening Governance"
Event Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Event Date
07.-11.08.2015
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
240020