CIP Leadership and Evaluation: The Influence on Causal Transmission and Creativity

Abstract

While there are a variety of theories on outstanding leadership which differ in notable ways, the more recognized approaches all stress the importance of leader vision. One of the most critical aspects of leader’s mental models is the causal connections made among concepts within their models. These causal connections may then be evaluated by their followers, either positively or negatively. The present study examines three leadership styles, as well as valence of evaluation on the vision, and their influence on creativity. Participants in the study were asked to assume the role of marketing director in a creative scenario where they were given a CEO’s vision statement and tasked with creating a plan to help the dying car company. Plans were evaluated for their quality, originality, and elegance, as well as rated for causal similarity to the three leadership styles. Findings indicate that followers of ideological leaders demonstrated higher originality in their plans, identified more causes, and demonstrated greater causal similarity to their leader. Implications of these findings for creative research are discussed.