How Punishment and Guilt Shape The Influence of Leader Anger On Leader Effectiveness Following Employee Transgressions

Authors:

Abstract: To denounce and disincentivize ethical transgressions, leaders may respond with anger toward transgressors. How will leader anger expressions in these contexts influence their perceived leader effectiveness? In four studies, we show that the impact of leader anger on leader effectiveness hinges on the punishment of transgressors and the guilt those transgressors display. In Studies 1 and 2, we present causal evidence that transgressor punishment and guilt, respectively, decrease the effectiveness of leader anger. In Study 3, we identify a mechanism: leaders who express anger in the presence of punishment and/or guilt are seen as less benevolent, which, in turn, drives leader effectiveness downward. Finally, in Study 4, we document a boundary condition by showing that punishment causes angry leaders to be viewed as less effective only when that anger display is strong. Collectively, these results underscore the importance of a nuanced consideration of the role of anger in leadership.

Track: MORAL

Keywords: Anger, Emotion, Leadership, Ethics/Morality, Social Perception