The Leader Ship Is Sinking: A Temporal Investigation of Narcissistic Leadership

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Abstract

Abstract Individuals higher in narcissism have leader emergent tendencies. The characteristics of their personality suggest, however, that their leadership qualities will decrease over time as a function of group acquaintance. We present data from two studies that provide the first empirical support for this theoretical position within a transformational leadership framework. In S tudy 1 ( N = 112), we tested narcissistic leadership qualities in groups of unacquainted individuals over a 12‐week period. In S tudy 2 ( N = 152), we adopted the same protocol with groups of acquainted individuals. In S tudy 1, narcissism was positively associated with peer‐rated leadership during initial group formation but not later. In S tudy 2, narcissism was not significantly associated with peer‐rated leadership during initial group formation and was negatively associated with peer‐rated leadership later. In S tudy 1, transformational leadership mediated the relationship between narcissism and leadership initially but not later on. In S tudy 2, transformational leadership failed to mediate the relationship between narcissism and leadership throughout the study. Despite enjoying a honeymoon period of leadership, the appeal and attractiveness of the narcissistic leader rapidly wane. This decline is explained in part by their changing transformational leadership qualities.

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