Organizational leadership roles as a source of self-esteem : A terror management theory
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Authors
Morin, Thomas
Issue Date
2015-07-30
Type
Language
Subject
Ernest Becker , Existential Psychology , Leadership , Organizational Leadership , Self-esteem , Terror Management Theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis presents research undertaken in order to construct a theory of organizational leadership roles as a source of self-esteem within the context of terror management theory (TMT). It begins with a review of TMT literature, complementary theories, and literature discussing the correlations between suicide and job loss, and ill health and job loss. This is followed by a description of philosophical underpinnings and methodology. Intensive interviewing and grounded theory methodology was employed. Leaders from healthcare, energy and not-for-profit organizations were asked to discuss the leadership expectations of their organization and how they experienced their roles. Theory construction proceeded on a tripartite basis, in that it was constructed from collected data, and informed by TMT literature and the researcher's philosophical underpinnings. Recommendations for the incorporation of attention to self-esteem into leader performance management, leadership development, and one's personal leadership practice, as well as recommendations for future research, are provided.