ORCID

0000-0002-4968-9158

Keywords

Leader succession, implicit leadership theory, cognitive appraisal, new leader evaluations, polynomial regression with RSA

Abstract

Leader succession is the planned or unplanned change in formal leadership at an organization. Ample research has investigated the effects of leader succession at higher levels of leadership on team and organizational performance, yet little is known about the effects of leadership changes at lower levels of management on followers’ reactions to their new leader. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and contrast effect theory (Markman & McMullen, 2003), this dissertation empirically tested a model in which the congruence of followers’ implicit theories of leadership with characteristics of the new leader were expected to influence three leader-related outcomes (new leader identification, satisfaction, and instrumentality) through followers’ appraisal of the new working relationship with their new leader as having the potential for future loss (threat appraisal) or gain (challenge appraisal). The strength of these effects was hypothesized to vary based on the former leader’s characteristics, such that when characteristics of the former leader contrasted with those of the new leader, appraisals would be strengthened. The results from a series of polynomial regression analyses showed some support for incongruence due to undersupply (i.e., when a desired leader characteristic was absent), but not oversupply, being associated with less favorable outcomes, with a subset of those effects being explained by heightened threat appraisals and diminished challenge appraisals. For other dimensions, a main effect of new leader characteristics emerged, shaping several of the indirect effects. Although it was anticipated that the former leader’s characteristics would moderate these relationships, limited support was offered for this hypothesis, though this may be attributable to an underpowered research model. A discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of this research, as well as the limitations and directions for future research, are included.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Ehrhart, Mark

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Identifier

DP0029318

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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