Moralized Leadership: The Construction and Consequences of Ethical Leader Perceptions

In this paper we examine the construction and consequences of ethical leader perceptions. First, we introduce moralization as the primary process through which followers come to view their leaders in moral terms. Second, we use Moral Foundations Theory to illustrate the types of leader behaviors that followers are most likely to moralize. Third, we identify moral self-regard and moral reputation management as two distinct pathways through which moralization influences follower behavior. Finally, we show how the values that underlie leaders’ moralized behavior (e.g. compassion; fairness; loyalty) determine the specific types of follower behaviors that emerge.