Authoritarian and benevolent leadership: the role of follower homophily, power distance orientation and employability

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on follower-centric leadership theory, the study examines the role of perceived homophily between the leader and the follower, follower's individual-level power distance orientation (PDO) and follower's perceived employability in moderating the effects of authoritarian and benevolent paternalistic leadership (BPL) on followers' turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes a sample of 403 white-collar Russian employees.

Findings

Whereas both leadership styles generally decrease followers' turnover intentions, they operate differently. Authoritarian leadership (AL) is more effective among followers with higher follower-leader homophily and PDO, whereas BPL is effective only among followers with low perceived homophily and PDO, and more effective among followers with higher perceived employability.

Originality/value

The study extends research on non-participative styles of leadership, their effects and boundary conditions.

Citation

Koveshnikov, A., Ehrnrooth, M. and Wechtler, H. (2023), "Authoritarian and benevolent leadership: the role of follower homophily, power distance orientation and employability", Personnel Review, Vol. 52 No. 1, pp. 218-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-02-2021-0097