The Influence of Leader-Follower Cognitive Style Similarity on Followers’ Organizational Citizenship Behaviors

• Main Authors: Steven J. Armstrong, Meng Qi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-06-01
• Series: Frontiers in Psychology
• Subjects: organizational citizenship behavior; cognitive style; congruence; polynomial regression; response surface analysis
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01265/full

While cognitive style congruence has been highlighted as a potentially important variable influencing performance outcomes in work-related contexts, studies of its influence are scarce. This paper examines the influence of leader-follower cognitive style similarity on followers’ organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Data from 430 leader-follower dyads were analyzed using polynomial regression and response surface analysis. Results demonstrate that congruence of leader/follower cognitive style is a predictor of follower OCBs. Organizations may therefore benefit from considering issues of similarity of cognitive styles in their attempts to develop effective leader-follower partnerships leading to increased OCBs and concomitant improvements in both individual and organizational level success.