Profiling the Heroic Leader: Empirical Lessons from Combat-Decorated Veterans of World War II

Leadership Quarterly, Forthcoming

28 Pages Posted: 10 Jan 2008

See all articles by Collin R. Payne

Collin R. Payne

Cornell University

Koert van Ittersum

University of Groningen

Brian Wansink

Retired - Cornell University

Abstract

How is heroism related to leadership? A survey of 526 World War II combat veterans suggests leadership, loyalty, and risk-taking are three differentiating dimensions of combat-decorated heroism. The results also show that the strength of these dimensions vary between those who were eager to enlist (eager heroes) versus those who were drafted or otherwise reluctant to enlist (reluctant heroes). A second study of West Point cadets and civilians supports the notion that the leadership exhibited by heroes is more strongly associated with transformative leadership than with transactional leadership. These findings offer two contributions. Conceptually, these profiles in heroism can help us better understand leadership in crisis situations. Operationally, these profiles may aid recruiters of fire fighters, police officers, and rescue workers by knowing what characteristics in potential employees might best reflect the potential for heroic leadership.

Keywords: Heroism, Hero, Crisis Leadership, Military, Transformational Leadership

Suggested Citation

Payne, Collin R. and van Ittersum, Koert and Wansink, Brian, Profiling the Heroic Leader: Empirical Lessons from Combat-Decorated Veterans of World War II. Leadership Quarterly, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1078914

Collin R. Payne

Cornell University ( email )

Ithaca, NY 14853
United States

Koert Van Ittersum

University of Groningen ( email )

Postbus 72
9700 AB Groningen
Netherlands

Brian Wansink (Contact Author)

Retired - Cornell University ( email )

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