Leaders' Self-concept and Moral Judgement
When it comes to making decisions that have implications for others, most leaders experience anxiety due to the fact that their choices are often heavily scrutinized by the public.
This pressure can be amplified if they face criticism from their own team members who question their integrity. In such cases, these leaders may become defensive and lose confidence in themselves, which affects their ability to make good decisions for everyone involved. This phenomenon is known as collective moral judgment and has been studied extensively in psychology.
Collective Moral Judgment
Collective moral judgment occurs when a group of individuals shares a common belief about what is right or wrong and uses it to judge someone else's actions. When faced with criticism from their team members, leaders must decide whether to listen to them and modify their behavior accordingly or stand their ground and defend their decision. The way they respond will depend on how much they value the opinions of those around them. Those who care more about the opinions of their team members are likely to change their behavior, while those who don't give weight to external input will remain firm in their convictions.
Impact on Leaders' Intimate Self-Concept
The impact of collective moral judgments on leaders' intimate self-concept is complex and varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the level of agreement among the people who criticize the leader plays a role in determining its severity. If everyone agrees with one another, the leader feels like an outcast, whereas disagreement between some members creates uncertainty and tension within the team. Secondly, the intensity of the criticism matters; intense criticism leads to greater anxiety than mild disapproval.
The type of decision being made also influences how the leader reacts; controversial choices generate stronger reactions than less contentious ones.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
When facing criticism for making decisions that affect others, leaders experience conflicting emotions such as guilt, shame, embarrassment, anger, and frustration. These feelings can lead them to question themselves and doubt their abilities, which interferes with their ability to make rational decisions. This phenomenon has been studied extensively by psychologists who call it cognitive dissonance. In short, when individuals face contradictory beliefs or actions, they feel uncomfortable and must reconcile these opposing ideas to maintain mental balance.
Leaders need to be aware of how collective moral judgment affects their intimate self-concept and decision-making process. When faced with criticism from their team members, they should assess the situation objectively and consider what changes may be necessary. While listening to feedback can help avoid negative consequences down the road, standing firm is sometimes necessary to preserve integrity and leadership credibility.
Leaders must remain open-minded about other perspectives while still staying true to their values and convictions.
What is the psychological impact of collective moral judgment on leaders' intimate self-concept and decision-making?
There are several psychological effects that may arise from collective moral judgments on leaders' intimate self-concept and decision-making processes. Firstly, these judgments can lead to increased feelings of shame and guilt, which can negatively affect their self-esteem and confidence. This can make it difficult for them to take risks or make decisions that might be seen as controversial or unpopular.