Durham University Study Explores Leadership Prototypes Influenced by the 2020 US Presidential Election
Recent research from Durham University Business School highlights the significant impact that election outcomes have on public perceptions of what constitutes “ideal” leadership. The study reveals how such perceptions can inspire individuals to emulate the traits and behaviors exhibited by elected leaders in their own leadership roles, thereby influencing future leadership dynamics.
The research, led by Professor Olga Epitropaki from Durham University Business School in collaboration with scholars from the University of Houston, KU Leuven, and Northeastern University, delves into the effects of the 2020 US Presidential Election on the public’s understanding of an “ideal” leader. While elections are known for influencing policies and societal dynamics, this study focuses specifically on how they shape perceptions of leadership ideals and standards.
According to Professor Epitropaki, individuals possess their own interpretations of what makes an “ideal” leader, which she refers to as leadership prototypes. “These prototypes influence not only how we perceive leaders but also how we see ourselves as leaders,” she notes. Recognizing how and why these ideals evolve is crucial, as they affect interpersonal interactions and leadership behaviors across various contexts, including workplaces and community engagements.
The polarized nature of the 2020 US election provided a unique opportunity to assess shifts in leadership ideals among the populace. The research team surveyed a diverse sample of 600 participants, comprising 200 Republicans, 200 Democrats, and 200 Independents, on eight occasions between October 2020 and Inauguration Day in January 2021. The surveys focused on the traits respondents associated with ideal leadership, allowing researchers to gather comprehensive insights into shifting perceptions.
Participants evaluated seven essential categories of leadership traits: charisma, sensitivity, dedication, intelligence, and dynamism, alongside less favorable traits such as tyranny and masculinity. By comparing these perceptions before and after the election, the researchers aimed to identify any significant changes in views on leadership characteristics over time.
The findings revealed a noteworthy transformation in the public’s ideal leadership prototype during the three months surrounding the election. Specifically, the traits associated with tyranny and masculinity—often linked to Donald Trump—were perceived less favorably, while attributes linked to Joe Biden’s leadership style gained prominence. This indicates a shift towards a “Biden-like” leadership model, highlighting the malleability of public perception in response to political climates.
Moreover, the study found that participants’ beliefs regarding the legitimacy of the election results played a crucial role in shaping their views on ideal leadership. Those who accepted the election as valid were more likely to embrace a less tyrannical and less masculine leadership prototype, reflecting the evolving values of society.
After the prominent election of Joe Biden in 2020, the general public’s concept of an ideal leader underwent significant changes. This shift occurred primarily among individuals who regarded the election results as legitimate,” Professor Epitropaki explains. Our study highlights that elected leaders both mirror public views of what constitutes ideal leadership and actively influence those perceptions, demonstrating the significant impact of political dynamics.
The study, titled “How Elections Shape Perceptions of Ideal Leadership,” has been published in the latest issue of American Psychologist. This groundbreaking research underscores the dynamic relationship between political environments and leadership ideals, providing valuable insights for current and aspiring leaders in various sectors, particularly as society continues to navigate political complexities.
