Beyond the positive: understanding followers' endorsement of manipulative and tyrannical traits through implicit leadership and self-construal

This study (N = 595) investigates who supports tyrannical and manipulative leaders, utilising a two-step approach involving latent profile analysis (LPA) that classified respondents into distinct profiles while stepwise logistic regression identified key endorsement predictors. Results show that self-construal, leadership experience, and years in the workforce significantly predict the endorsement or rejection of tyrannical and manipulative leadership. Respondents with interdependent self-construal, leadership experience, and moderate work experience demonstrated the highest level of support for tyrannical and manipulative leaders (66.62%). Respondents with extensive work experience, non-interdependent self-construal, and no leadership experience are more inclined to oppose tyrannical and manipulative leaders (4.36%). The analysis underscores the influence of implicit leadership theories (ILTs) and self-construal in shaping perceptions of leadership effectiveness, highlighting how demographic factors intersect with these dynamics. These insights hold significance for enhancing leadership effectiveness, fostering ethical practices, and addressing the risks of manipulative leadership within diverse cultural and organisational contexts.