Well-being of formal leaders: A critical and interdisciplinary review of predictors shaping leader well-being

Author

Burak OC, Singapore Management UniversityFollow
KRAIVIN PARIPONT CHINTAKANANDA, Singapore Management UniversityFollow

Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

3-2025

Abstract

Holding a formal leadership role is often idealized, motivating individuals to pursue such positions for independence and success. However, recent reports highlight significant challenges faced by leaders, particularly during as well as after the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased work demands and reduced well-being. This review takes a critical stance and examines whether formal leaders bear a well-being cost. Using Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems framework, we categorize predictors of leader well-being, discuss dominant theoretical frameworks explaining the most frequently studied relationships, and identify theoretical gaps in the existing literature. Following this, we identify internal validity issues affecting the interpretation of existing research. Our findings reveal significant validity concerns and a reliance on single-study, non-experimental designs, compromising the reliability of results. We offer theoretical and methodological recommendations for future research and emphasize the need for interventions to enhance leader well-being amidst increasing role demands. By synthesizing existing knowledge, our review aims to be a valuable resource for leadership scholars and practitioners, fostering interdisciplinary insights and encouraging further research on leader well-being in diverse contexts.

Keywords

Leader well-being, Critical Review, Internal Validity, Interdisciplinary

Discipline

Leadership Studies | Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Leadership Quarterly

Volume

36

Issue

1

First Page

1

Last Page

20

ISSN

1048-9843

Identifier

10.1016/j.leaqua.2024.101842

Publisher

Elsevier

Citation

OC, Burak and KRAIVIN PARIPONT CHINTAKANANDA. Well-being of formal leaders: A critical and interdisciplinary review of predictors shaping leader well-being. (2025). Leadership Quarterly. 36, (1), 1-20.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/7637

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2024.101842