Leader Dark-Side Traits and Influence: Current Research and Theory

Research on the study of leader traits suggests that dark-side traits can derail a leader’s success or help a leader flourish depending on the context of the situation. While previous literature sheds some light on the consequences of dark-side leader traits, there remains a gap in our understanding of how, when, and why leaders’ dark traits drive engagement in positive or negative leader behaviors. This symposium showcases emerging research on when dark-side leader traits will result in leader behaviors and how contextual factors may inhibit negative effects or facilitate positive effects of dark-side leader traits. Collectively, the results suggest that, across different cultures, leaders who possess dark traits are not necessarily ineffective or abusive leaders and that context matters a great deal in limiting some of the more harmful effects of behaviors stemming from dark- side traits. This collection of papers and the selected discussant seek to stimulate debate on the practical implications of a be...