The impact of solitude on authentic leadership development: A theoretical and statistical investigation

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the relationship between solitude and authentic leadership development. Despite the work of previous researchers in the field of Authentic Leadership (e.g. Avolio et al., 2004; Avolio & Gardner, 2005) and Solitude (e.g. Long, 2003; Long & Averill, 2003, Burger, 1995), there has been no systematic connection between these two concepts so far.Therefore, we propose a conceptual framework, which describes the role of solitude as a mediating mechanism, leading from Inner Search to Authentic Leadership development. Next, we apply this framework empirically in a large panel of firms and a sample of 140 managers and 375 subordinates, by means of Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (S.E.M.). Results indicate that solitude does, indeed, fully mediate the effect of Inner Search on Authentic Leadership.