Neue Publikation: Leader-Follower Crossover: Exhaustion Predicts Somatic Complaints via StaffCare Behavior

Der Artikel erscheint im Journal of Managerial Psychology.
Christina Köppe, Jana Kammerhoff & Astrid Schütz

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine the direct and indirect crossover effects of leaders’ exhaustion on followers’ somatic complaints by testing leaders’ health-oriented behavior toward employees as a possible underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach – A 2-wave online study using data from different sources was conducted. In a sample of N = 41 leaders and N = 65 followers, leaders were paired with one or two followers. Leaders rated their level of exhaustion at time 1, and followers rated their leaders’ health-oriented leadership behavior (i.e., StaffCare behavior) and their own level of somatic complaints three months later (time 2).

Findings – Results provided evidence of an indirect crossover effect from leaders’ exhaustion to followers’ somatic complaints through StaffCare behavior. There was no direct crossover effect.

Practical implications – Findings suggest that organizations should attend to leaders’ health as a means to allow for StaffCare behavior and thus protect employee health.

Originality/value – StaffCare behavior represents a new concept that focuses on health-related aspects of leadership. This is the first study to take an in-depth look at the question of how this leadership behavior is tied to crossover from leader exhaustion to follower health.