Which leadership style do more narcissistic subordinates prefer in supervisors?

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Subordinates in Western cultures generally prefer supervisors with a democratic rather than autocratic leadership style. It is unclear, however, whether more narcissistic subordinates share or challenge this prodemocratic default attitude. On the one hand, more narcissistic individuals strive for power and thus may favor a democratic supervisor, who grants them power through participation. On the other hand, similarity attracts and, thus, more narcissistic subordinates may favor an autocratic supervisor, who exhibits the same leadership style that they would adopt in a leadership position.

Method

Four studies (N_total = 1284) tested these competing hypotheses with two narcissism dimensions: admiration and rivalry. Participants indicated the

SUBMITTER: Eck J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11891990 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature