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

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the relationship between solitude andauthentic leadership development. Despite the work of previous researchersin 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 conceptsso far. Therefore, we propose a conceptual framework, which describesthe role of solitude as a mediating mechanism, leading from Inner Search toAuthentic Leadership development. Next, we apply this framework empirically in a large panel of firmsand a sample of 140 managers and 375 subordinates, by means of FactorAnalysis and Structural Equation Modelling (S.E.M.). Results indicate thatsolitude does, indeed, fully mediate the effect of Inner Search on AuthenticLeadership.