Leader narcissism and follower work outcomes : role of leader–member exchange, follower identity overlap, and identity threat

Thesis (PhD(Human Resource Management))--University of South Australia, 2021. Includes bibliographical references (pages 148-166) This research explores how leader narcissism influences follower wellbeing through the relationship between the leader and the follower. The study proposes that followers may be motivated to develop identity overlap with narcissistic leaders, which can predict the development of high-quality relationships and improved follower wellbeing. However, narcissistic leaders could threaten follower identity and negatively influence relationships and follower wellbeing. The results indicate that followers’ identity overlap is positively associated with high-quality relationships and followers’ wellbeing. Furthermore, the relationship between leader narcissism and follower identity threat is moderated by the follower’s frequency of interaction with the leader. Finally, the results confirmed that high-quality leader-follower relationships positively influence follower wellbeing.