Abstract
This paper discusses character assessment from a leadership level perspective. The organization studied is developing a leadership model for the next century. One of the leadership traits identified as essential was character. Approximately one thousand managers in the company were given two character assessment instruments via a Web-based medium. Significant differences were found between early-, mid-, and mature-level managers with an increasing trend in character traits across the levels. This research is consistent with Katz and Kahn's (1976) levels of leadership research.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Abshire, D. (2000). Presidential Hubris. National Forum, 80, 45–49.
Abshire, D. (2001). Presidential Turning Points. Commencement Speech to Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Washington, DC.
Cashman, K. (1999). How to be a Real Leader. Fast Company, 24, 62–65.
Chemers, M.M. (2000). Leadership Research and Theory A Functional Integration. Group Dynamics: Theory and Research, 4, 27–43.
Clowney, K. (2001). New Definition of Leadership. Executive Excellence, 18, 8–10.
Crowne, D.P., & Marlowe, D. (1960). A New Scale of Social Desirability Independent of Psychopathology. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 24, 349–354.
Fiedler, F. E. (1964). A contingency model of leadership effectiveness. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology. New York, NY: Academic Press.
Gergen, D. (2001). Character of Leadership. Executive Excellence, 18, 5–7.
Hendrix, W.H. (2001). Behavioral and value-based character assessment system development and validation. Paper presented at the 27th Annual Association for Moral Education Meeting, Vancouver, Canada.
Hendrix, W.H. & Berkowitz, M.W. (2000). Development of an attitudinal and behavioral character development assessment system. Paper presented at the 26th Annual Association of Moral Education Conference, Glasgow, Scotland.
Josephson, M.S. (1991). Character: Linchpin of Leadership. Executive Excellence, 16. 2–4.
Katz, D., & Kahn, R. (1976). Leadership. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. 525–576.
Kirkpatrick, S.A., and Locke, E.A. (1991). Leadership: Do traits matter? The Executive, 5, 48–60.
Krulak. C.C. (1999). The Strategic Corporal: Leadership in the Three-Block War. Marine Corps Gazette, 18–22.
Lauterbach, K.E. & Weiner, B.J. (1996). Dynamics of Upward Influence: How Male and Female Managers Get Their Way. Leadership Quarterly, 7, 87–107.
Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for Character. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Meyer, E.C. (1997). Leadership: A Return to Basics. Military Review, 77, 58–62.
Mumford, M.D., Marks, M.A., Connelly, M.S., Zaccaro, S.J., & Reiter-Palmon, R. (2000). Development of Leadership Skills: Experience and Timing. Leadership Quarterly, 11, 28–32.
Rest, J.R., & Narvaez, D. (1994). Moral Development in the Professions: Psychology and Applied Ethics. Hillside, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Sun Tzu. (1963). The Art of War. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Thunholm, P. (2001). Social Desirability in Personality Testing of Military Officers. Military Psychology, 13, 223–234.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Barlow, C.B., Jordan, M. & Hendrix, W.H. Character Assessment: An Examination of Leadership Levels. Journal of Business and Psychology 17, 563–584 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023408403204
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023408403204