Transformational leadership does not by itself predict follower commitment

Evidence

Organizational identity was a partial, not a full, mediator between transformational leadership and follower outcomes such as satisfaction and OCB, so there are almost certainly other psychological processes occurring simultaneously. Similarly, Study 2 points to the possibility that some aspects of social identity may be more important mediators of follower perceptions than others. Future research should be undertaken to specifically test whether the affective commitment component is a better predictor of follower perceptions than the social categorization or group self-esteem elements. We hypothesize that social categorization and group evaluation may be necessary precursors in order for followers to develop affective commitment, but it may be affective commitment that drives follower perceptions and behavior. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1863 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Social categorization was also significantly reduced from Step 2 to Step 3 of the regression (from β = . p < . to β = .17, p < .05; Table 13.4), suggesting that affective commitment had more impact on follower satisfaction than social categorization. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1844 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Leadership acts on followers through collective group norms, not just individual exchange — Stephen Reicher, S. Alexander Haslam, and Nick Hopkins, Social identity and the dynamics of…, 34; Followers transform leader identity into commitment mainly through emotional attachment, not categorization — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1863; Affective commitment influences follower satisfaction more strongly than social categorization does — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1844

Broader Connections

• Followers transform leader identity into commitment mainly through emotional attachment, not categorization #complicates (0.75) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1863
• Affective commitment influences follower satisfaction more strongly than social categorization does #complicates (0.72) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1844