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Followers' unclear demands during the COVID-19 pandemic can undermine leaders' well-being: A moderated mediation model from an entrapment perspective |
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| Authors: | Yuyan Zheng Chia-Huei Wu Xiaotong |
| Institution: | 1. Surrey Business School, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK;2. Management Division, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan;3. Durham University Business School, Durham University, Durham, UK;4. College of Management and Economics (COME), Tianjin University, Tianjin, China |
| Abstract: | Although effective leaders are important for reducing employee stress during the COVID-19, limited studies have examined how follower behaviors can influence leader stress and well-being during the COVID-19. This study draws on defeat-entrapment theory to examine how followers' unclear demands during the COVID-19 consequently impact leaders' psychological states and well-being. We conducted a three-wave time-lagged investigation with a sample of 281 leaders in the United Kingdom and found that followers' unclear demands could generate feelings of entrapment in leaders, leading to decreased levels of well-being outcomes in leaders. Importantly, we found that leaders who have higher levels of leadership responsibility during the COVID-19 are likely to feel trapped by followers' unclear demands. They are also likely to face higher levels of feelings of entrapment and impaired well-being compared with leaders who have lower levels of leadership responsibility. We discuss the implications for theories and practices, as well as directions for future research. |
| Keywords: | COVID-19 entrapment leaders leadership responsibility well-being |