Topic: The virtue of “control freak”: Rethinking destructive leadership

Speaker: Prof. HUANG Xu, Hong Kong Baptist University

Host: Prof. XIE Xiao-Yun

Time: 13:30-15:30 December 9th, 2016 (Friday)

Venue: Room 302

Abstract: In this talk, I will critique the current research on destructive leadership behavior and challenge the practicality of this line of research. Then, I will argue why research on authoritarian leadership may open up a new avenue of scientific inquire of the functionality of destructive leadership. Finally, I will present a series of our studies which were aimed to advance our understanding of the “social function” of authoritarian leadership and its potentially beneficial impacts on employee, group, and organizational performance. My central contention is that research on authoritarian leadership can offer greater insight into the function of leaders for organizations. I argue that authoritarian leaders are “control freaks”, who tend to demand absolute obedience from their subordinates through coercion and punishment. Research has so far demonstrated that authoritarian leadership has negative effects on employees’ attitudes and performance. However, this style of leadership has been widely observed in organizations and considered by practicing managers as effective in ensuring higher performance. In our studies, we have theorized and demonstrated why, when, and how the “virtue” of authoritarian leaders can be materialized in organizations.