Leadership, trustworthiness, and the mediating lens

Purpose The purpose of this research is to propose and empirically test hypotheses concerning the influence of leadership behaviors on interpersonal perceptions of trustworthiness. Design/methodology/approach Survey research is employed to assess the dimensions of leadership behavior and dimensions of trustworthiness and to determine the relationships among the leadership behavior dimensions and trustworthiness dimensions. Findings Factor analyses support previous research advocating three dimensions of leadership behavior (relationship development, resource utilization, and image management) and three dimensions of trustworthiness (ability, benevolence, and integrity). A structural model (LISREL), testing the relationship among the three leadership behavior dimensions and the three trustworthiness dimensions, shows that image management influences perceptions of all three dimensions of trustworthiness, and relationship development influences the benevolence dimension of trustworthiness. Using analysis of variance, the research finds that younger individuals view leaders as being more trustworthy than older individuals do. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study include a survey research methodology and a sample of university students. Practical implications There are consequences to leaders' actions. This study shows that perceptions of trustworthiness can be influenced by leadership behavior. Originality/value Past research suggests that trustworthiness is an important component of a successful organization. This research supports the hypothesis that leadership behavior affects perceptions of trustworthiness, which is important to researchers and managers interested in how the behaviors of leaders influence other areas of the organization.