Followers’ Locomotion Mode Predicts Preferring Assertive Leaders: Regulatory Fit by Means of Valued Social Characteristics of Others

Abstract

Building on prior work on regulatory fit in leader–follower contexts, the present work investigated such fit regarding followers’ locomotion mode (the concern to move forward and maintain action flow) and leader assertiveness. In three studies, we recruited English-speaking employees online (N_total = 948) and assessed their regulatory mode. In Study 1, we then measured participants’ preferences regarding characteristics their leaders ideally should have. In Study 2, participants reported perceived characteristics (ability/assertiveness/morality/friendliness) of their actual leader. In Study 3, we presented participants with a highly assertive versus highly able leader profile. Participants subsequently indicated their expected satisfaction with and motivation by these leaders. Across studies, the higher the followers’ locomotion mode, the more they valued their leader being assertive. These findings show that feelings of fit can also derive from an alignment with others’ characteristics and shed light on when leader assertiveness is appreciated.