Vortrag im Rahmen der Brown Bag Veranstaltungsreihe der GGS Sektion PPOB & OBHR: How are grandiose and vulnerable narcissism related to motivation to lead?

This study explores why narcissists are motivated to take over leadership positions and differentiates between dimensions of narcissism. Specifically, we test the relationships between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and motivation to lead and the role of several mediators (implicit self-theories, individual level of identity). In three studies using panel data, we assumed and found that grandiose narcissism was more strongly related to motivation to lead than vulnerable narcissism. Self-theories served as a mediator in study 1. However, adding individual level of identity (study 2 and study 3) made self-theories less relevant as mediators. Our results indicated that particularly grandiose narcissists’ motivation to lead is driven by individual levels of identity. This focus on one’s own self and achievements might explain why grandiose narcissists are often found not to be successful as leaders.