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BUILDING CHARACTER: A LEADERSHIP ESSENTIAL

Journal of Business and Psychology volume 21, pages 1–22 (2006)Cite this article

ABSTRACT

Character is an increasingly important topic of discourse and analysis, however, much of the research remains problematic and conceptual. Even less evidence exists of the nature of the relationship between character and leadership. This study examined self-reported character and associated demographic correlates among a sample of 238 Australian business leaders. Exploratory factor analysis identified three dimensions of character consistent with theory. These dimensions were examined in relation to demographic variables. After controlling for social desirability bias, few statistically significant demographic differences were found. Further research is recommended to validate the model of character developed in our paper.

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Notes

  1. Permission to use the CARS was given by email on 28 July 2003 by W. Herlie Hendrix.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Victoria, Australia

    James C. Sarros & Brian K. Cooper

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  1. James C. Sarros
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  2. Brian K. Cooper
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Correspondence to James C. Sarros.

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This study was made possible through the generous support of the Australian Institute of Management (Queensland division) June 2004.

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Sarros, J.C., Cooper, B.K. BUILDING CHARACTER: A LEADERSHIP ESSENTIAL. J Bus Psychol 21, 1–22 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-005-9020-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-005-9020-3

Keywords

  • Leadership
  • character attributes
  • social desirability bias
  • character
  • self-report implications
  • research outcomes