Leaders' anticipated and targets' self-reported resistance to task assignments: a replication
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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
John E Barbuto1, Susan M Fritz, Brent J Goertzen
1University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0709, USA. jbarbuto@unl.edu
Abstract:
This is a follow up study of Barbuto's 2000 work in which leaders' ratings and targets' self-reported resistance to task assignments are compared. Scores on the Anticipated Resistance Indicator among 650 leader-member dyads measure resistance based on Barbuto's 1997 five concentric zones of Preference, Indifference, Legitimate, Influence, and Noninfluence, examined from both leaders' and targets' perspectives. Responses indicated that leaders tend to underestimate followers' willingness to perform assigned tasks. In addition, leaders tend to overestimate targets' unwillingness to perform undesirable, less enjoyable tasks.
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