Self-Efficacy and Leadership Effectiveness: Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Leadership

Executive Summary One of the most frequently reported findings in the leadership literature is the relationship between a leader's self-confidence and successful leadership. Yet, absent from the literature is a theoretical explanation for this long recognized association. A new leadership approach is proposed based on Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory that posits leadership self-efficacy as the key cognitive variable regulating leader functioning in a dynamic environment. The full model considers leader cognitions in addition to leader behaviors and the situation resulting in a broader view of the leadership process. Implications and propositions for leadership research are discussed.