Language as potential space for relational positioning: Exploring language use as a manifestation of leadership anxiety dynamics

This exploratory study considered language use as a manifestation of anxiety in work and everyday settings. Respondents were seven psychology practitioners from across the discipline (following a psychodynamic approach), who reflected on the dynamics of language use associated with their social and occupational roles. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis revealed the way in which participants characterised their language use in managing the language of titles and defining potential space for relational, regressive and defensive purposes.     

A novel theory on the predictive value of variation in the β-endorphin system on the risk and severity of PTSD

ABSTRACT

Despite growing interest in genetic and psychosocial indicators of heightened susceptibility to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a predictive model, which explains why some individuals develop PTSD in response to life-threatening traumatic events, while others, when faced with the same or similar experiences, do not, has thus far remained out of reach. In this paper, we review the literature on gene–environment interactions in β-endorphin system functioning with regard to PTSD and suggest that variation, both genetic and with regard to environmental stimuli, in systems which, like the β-endorphin system, distort human perception of life-threatening traumatic experiences may account for some of the variance in resilience to the disorder. Given the role of β-endorphin in both social connections and physical exercise, this becomes especially relevant with regard to military selection, training, and leadership processes.     

Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Baseball: The Impact of Culture

Few sports-related events have generated as much controversy as the steroid crisis in baseball. Both ardent fans and casual observers wonder why professional baseball players would choose to use such substances when their use was viewed as outside the bounds of fair play. This article attempts to answer that question by applying concepts from the area of organizational culture. Understanding the culture of baseball and the ways leaders embedded and strengthened that culture adds insight into the decisions by athletes to engage in steroid use. In general, such use was consistent with the already-existing culture. In addition, key decisions and events likely created the conditions in which steroid use was more likely.     

有效的领导者及其权力的行使

本文在大量关于领导与权力的研究基础上 ,深入阐述了领导者的权力的本质及其基础 ,并区分了领导者的职权与个人权力 ,认为一味地依靠职权作为领导的基础只能产生各种消极的组织行为 ,而有效的领导者往往依靠个人权力来影响职工 ,激励职工。最后 ,本文也讨论形成个人权力的途径以及个人权力行使方法和注意的问题。     

Ethical leadership,person-organizational fit,and productive energy: a South African sectoral comparative study

ABSTRACT

Research suggests that ethical leadership (EL) affects employee behavior and organizational functioning. This study aimed to determine the relationship between EL and productive energy (PE), as mediated by person-organizational fit (POF). The study used assumptions of the social learning and social exchange theories that posit that leadership has a direct impact on employee behavior, mainly through role modeling and the reciprocal nature thereof. An empirical paradigm using a cross sectional quantitative design was used. The PE instrument (developed in the USA) was assessed for construct validity within the South African context (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis). The analysis included a comparison between the private and public sectors, emphasizing the importance of context as differentiator. Relatively high, statistically significant correlations were found between the variables for both sectors and the combined sample. The hierarchical regression analysis indicated that 18% of the variance in PE is explained by EL. This model was improved by the inclusion of POF (total variance of 32% explained). The conceptual model was confirmed with structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings of this study suggest that EL has a significantly positive effect on PE and POF, which mediates the relationship between EL and PE. Sectoral differences were reported.