Review Questions

  1. Be able to summarize the early period of research of authentic leadership.  Who are some of the scholars known for research of authentic leadership?  What were their research questions?
  2. How are the practical and theoretical approaches to studying authentic leadership similar or different?  How do they compare to the teleological and deontological approaches to studying ethical leadership?
  3. Why is authentic leadership hard to define?  Describe the three different definitions of authentic leadership on pages___.  What does each definition contribute to our understanding of this concept?
  4. What are the five basic characteristics of authentic leadership according to Bill George?  How does George’s approach compare to the trait approach?  The Big 5?
  5. What is the difference between passion and compassion in George’s AL model?
  6. How are the dimensions of AL related to the characteristics of AL in George’s model? 
  7. Using Walumbwa’s (2008) definition of authentic leadership, distinguish between leader behaviors and traits.  What are outcomes of authentic leadership?  What is the follower role?
  8. How is self-awareness in the AL approach different from the psychodynamic approach?  Can you identify a person who exemplifies this component of the model?
  9. How does authentic leadership fit with the following components of leadership:  process, influence, group context, and goal attainment?
  10. What are the strengths and criticisms of the authentic leadership approach?