The Development and Validation of the Leader as Security Provider Scale

  1. Fernando Molero
  2. Mario Mikulincer
  3. Phillip R. Shaver
  4. Ana Laguía
  5. Juan. A. Moriano
Journal:
Revista de psicología del trabajo y de las organizaciones = Journal of work and organizational psychology

ISSN: 1576-5962

Year of publication: 2019

Volume: 35

Issue: 3

Pages: 183-193

Type: Article

DOI: 10.5093/JWOP2019A20 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Revista de psicología del trabajo y de las organizaciones = Journal of work and organizational psychology

Abstract

In three studies we examined, from an attachment perspective, the utility and the validity of a scale assessing followers’ perceptions of leaders as security providers (LSPS). Based on the literature, we designed a 15-item scale tapping the five functions of a security-enhancing attachment figure (secure base, safe haven, proximity seeking, emotional ties, and separation distress) within organizational contexts. The scale showed acceptable reliability and a one-factor structure in all the studies. In Study 1 (N = 237), the LSPS was positively associated with transformational leadership and inversely associated with passive-avoidant leadership. Moreover, employees’ perceptions of their leader as a security provider made a unique contribution to their satisfaction with the manager and perception of the manager’s efficacy. In Study 2 (N = 263), the LSPS was positively associated with authentic leadership. Employees’ ratings of their leader on the LSPS were positively associated with employees’ organizational identification, work engagement, and work satisfaction. In Study 3 (N = 263), we found that employees’ perceptions of their leader as a security provider had a protective effect on their job burnout. The findings indicate that research on the follower-leader relationship can benefit from the adoption of an attachment perspective.

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Data source: Dialnet