A two-nation investigation of leadership self-perceptions and motivation to lead in early adulthood: the moderating role of gender and socio-economic status

Purpose Drawing on the social-cognitive and motivational literature of leadership, present study examines influence young adults' self-perceptions leadership their self-efficacy (LSE) motivation to lead (MTL) in future career. The authors further examine gender socio-economic status (SES) as important moderators proposed relationships. Design/methodology/approach investigation consists a two-study research design, based data collected from adult samples across two culturally different countries, namely UK ( N = 267) Japan 127). Findings presents evidence influencing LSE MTL. results support mediating role leader self-efficacy. Regarding moderating gender, both showed that effects MTL were stronger for males. SES was found moderate negative implicit theories (ILTs) sample positive ILTs Japanese sample. Originality/value This fills gap empirical focused early adulthood influences development. In particular, this has three-fold contribution, by, firstly, developing conceptual model leaders MTL; secondly examining contingencies relationships; thirdly testing countries.