Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics

An emotion-motivation perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID22236178
AuthorsYamei Liu (0000-0002-9463-181X, Shanghai Open University), Zhaopeng Liu (0000-0002-7429-0261, Shandong University), Danting Chang (0000-0002-8354-1675, Shandong University), Chi Zhang (0000-0003-0034-843X, Tongji University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume12
Issue1
Publication date2025-04-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHumanities and Social Sciences Communications (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2662-9992 • E-ISSN: 2662-9992
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1057/s41599-025-04565-w
OpenAlexW4409764251
LanguageEN
References cited100

Perfectionism has gained increasing attention from researchers due to its significant impact on work and non-work outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the influence of perfectionism on teams is positive or negative. Our research provides clarity on the group effects of leader other-oriented perfectionism. Drawing from the literature on perfectionism and approach-avoidance emotivation theory, we investigate the influence processes (e.g., team affective tones and team performance motivations) and boundary conditions (e.g., team trait resilience) of leader perfectionism on team prosocial behavior and team cheating behavior. Data collected from 152 leaders and 699 employees reveals that leader other-oriented perfectionism positively influences team energy tone, which subsequently enhances team performance approach motivation and facilitates team prosocial behavior. Additionally, leader other-oriented perfectionism positively impacts team anxious tone, which subsequently promotes team performance avoidance motivation and facilitates team cheating behavior. Moreover, team trait resilience strengthens the former chain of processes while weakening the latter. These results shed light on the complex dynamics between leader other-oriented perfectionism, team affective tone, motivation, and ethical behaviors, highlighting the significance of team trait resilience as a boundary condition in these relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are provided

Cognitive psychology · Pedagogy · Psychotherapist · Computer Science · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology