Exemplifying “Us”: Integrating social identity theory of leadership with cognitive models of categorization

Identity leadership theorizing suggests that effectiveness derives from a potential leader’s perceived ability to create, embody, promote, and embed shared group identity. However, little is known about how people integrate this information form judgment of leader. We use cognitive modeling operationalize judgments as exemplar-and prototype-based categorization processes. Analysis attribute rating data for 80 highly recognizable Americans revealed were well-characterized by an exemplar-based model. Judgments based overwhelmingly on promoting collective interests embedding The pattern weightings was consistent general role (i.e., competent leader) well specific effective US president). discuss the implications these findings our understanding identity integrated social-cognitive models individuals’ judgements responses leaders.