Attribution Theories of Leadership and Network Analysis

Abstract

This article examines the potential of applying network analysis to attribution theories of leadership. Network analysis allows the identification of social groups linked together by work, friendship, influence, or communication relations and of the relative position of actors within the social group. Moreover, network properties such as centrality, influence domain or prestige, and the presence of isolates enable the identification of leaders in relation to their position, status, and influence in a particular social setting. The use of network analysis in evaluating leader-subordinate relationships and leader behavior descriptions is discussed and a research agenda suggested.