Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
11:13
The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Leadership, collective personality, and performance
David A Hofmann1, Lisa M Jones
1Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3490, USA. dhofmann@unc.edu
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|May 25, 2005
Summary
This study introduces a compositional model for the Big 5 personality traits, linking individual and collective behavior. It found leadership styles predict collective personality, which in turn impacts organizational performance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Personality Science
Background:
- Behavioral regularities at individual and collective levels are often viewed as functionally isomorphic.
- Existing models may not fully capture the interplay between individual personality and group dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a referent-shift compositional model for the Big 5 personality dimensions.
- Apply individual-level personality measures to the collective.
- Investigate the predictive relationship between leadership styles, collective personality, and collective performance.
Main Methods:
- Developed a referent-shift compositional model for the Big 5 personality dimensions.
- Applied a common individual-level Big 5 personality measure to a collective level.
- Utilized a sample of franchised units for data collection.
- Examined interactions among personality dimensions based on recent individual-level research.
Main Results:
- The compositional model successfully applied individual personality measures to the collective.
- Leadership styles (transformational, transactional, passive) significantly predicted collective personality.
- Collective personality was significantly related to collective performance.
- Several hypothesized interactions among personality dimensions were supported.
Conclusions:
- The referent-shift compositional model provides a valid framework for understanding collective personality.
- Leadership is a key factor influencing collective personality and subsequent performance.
- Interactions between personality dimensions play a role in both individual and collective behavior.
Related Concept Videos
00:52Social Proof
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
01:26Cultural Influences on Personality
Individualist and collectivist cultures emphasize different core values, shaping personality in distinct ways. In individualist cultures, such as those in the United States, England, and Australia, people prioritize independence, competition, and personal achievement. These societies tend to promote self-focused traits, with individuals often reporting higher levels of self-esteem. In contrast, collectivist cultures, commonly found in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, emphasize...
01:23The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
01:25Impact of Individuals on a Group
In social psychology, the interplay between individuals and groups is a central concern, particularly regarding how individual actions and characteristics influence group processes and outcomes. While much research emphasizes the group's power in shaping individual behavior, it is equally significant to understand how individuals contribute to the functioning, development, and success of groups.Individual Roles in Group Productivity and Decision-MakingIndividuals are not passive participants in...
01:29Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
Social psychology examines how group dynamics, emotions, and cultural influences shape individual actions and decision-making. These elements interact to form behavioral patterns that affect personal choices and social interactions.The Role of Group DynamicsGroups play a crucial role in shaping behavior by reinforcing norms and expectations. Individuals derive a sense of self from group membership, often aligning their behaviors with group norms to maintain social cohesion. For example, an...
01:23Implicit Personality Theories
Implicit personality theory explains how individuals make assumptions about the relationships between personality traits, behaviors, and character types. When people learn that someone possesses a particular trait, they tend to infer the presence of other related characteristics, forming a cohesive impression. This cognitive shortcut plays a crucial role in social interactions and interpersonal judgments.Central Traits and Their InfluenceSolomon Asch's seminal 1946 study highlighted the power...