Pseudo‐Transformational Leadership: Model Specification and Outcomes1

A model of pseudo‐transformational leadership was tested in 4 experiments. Pseudo‐transformational leadership is defined by self‐serving, yet highly inspirational leadership behaviors, unwillingness to encourage independent thought in subordinates, and little caring for one's subordinates more generally. Study 1 (N = 167) used vignettes to differentiate among transformational, pseudo‐transformational, and laissez‐faire leadership styles. Study 2 (N = 179) replicated this model using ratings of characters in the film 12 Angry Men ( Fonda, Rose, & Lumet, 1957 ). Study 3 (N = 120) tested the model, controlling for participant perceptions of leader affect and prototypical leadership behaviors. Study 4 (N = 127) extended the ecological validity of the model and range of outcomes. Across the studies, support was obtained for the model.     

Unemployment: The Living Death?

Unemployment can be viewed as a “living death” because the majority of unemployed persons participating in this study went through five stages that parallel the five stages through which a terminally ill patient passes. Stress caused by unemployment resulted in a loss of income and a loss of the individual's self-image.     

Creative Transformation: A Design Perspective

This paper outlines a research program, which seeks to develop strategies to facilitate creative development through paradigmatic transformation. The paper begins with the notion of a “Being strategy” by exploring the Möbius Ring as a model for creativity. The model offers metaphors appropriate to design which seeks to build a connection with the underlying dynamics of subjective life. This paper then explores how these strategies can be employed within a design context to transform the consciousness of the designer.     

Book Reviews

Cherry, F. (1995). The ‘Stubborn Particulars’ of Social Psychology—Essays on the Research Process. Routledge, London. Pp. xi+132, £35.00 (hardback); £11.99 (paperback). ISBN 0-415-06667-0 (paperback), 0-415-0666-2 (hardback).     

Taxometric and related methods in relationships research

Research on personal relationships inescapably uses taxonomies for classifying people, relationships, and interpersonal processes and events, and often develops new ones. However, constructing a good taxonomy is no simple matter. Many existing classification methods have serious weaknesses, and they carry the risk of drawing taxonomic distinctions that are spurious. In addition, researchers frequently make unwarranted assumptions about the nature of the taxonomic categories that they employ in their work. This article introduces a family of quantitative methods for testing and generating taxonomies. Although they have seen little use to date outside of psychopathology, personality psychology, and behavioral genetics, these methods are versatile and readily adapted to the domain of personal relationships, where they offer many research possibilities. Three of the methods are illustrated in a study of elementary forms of relationships.