Trait Inferences Of Leaders’ Power Distance

Leaders’power distance is a vital cross-cultural factor and an important trait of the implicit leadership theory(ILT)as well.In fect,ILT is a kind of traits theory about excellent leaders,and it refers to a belief system that is large and well-build,which could be useful for individuals to distinguish leaders from non-leaders naturally.At the same time,it will affect one’s spontaneous trait inferences(STI)of leaders’behaviors.STI is a way of trait inferences.The STI for leaders’power distance refers to the process during which someone form an impression of leaders’ power distance unconsciously.And intentional trait inferences(ITI)for leaders’ power distance refers to the process during which someone form an impression of leaders’power distance consciously.However there are only several studies about trait inferences for leaders’ power distance.So this study will research the intergeneration changes and gender difference of leaders’ power distance in present China.Firstly,we found that there are intergeneration changes and gender difference for leaders’ power distance by interviewing and questionnaire method(Study 1);Then we verified the intergeneration difference of leaders’ power distance by Ⅲ method(Study 2);Lastly,we verified the gender difference of leaders’ power distance by STI method(Study 3).Above all,we could draw following conclusions:(1)Leaders’ power distance will becoming smaller and smaller with the development of eras,and there is also a gender difference,that is,male leaders with a higher power distance,while female leaders with a lower power distance;(2)About the intergeneration difference of leaders’ power distance.There is no intergeneration difference in leaders’lower power distance.However,there is a intergeneration difference in leaders’higher power distance,that is,the power distance of present leaders(2016)is lower than former leaders(1970);(3)About the gender difference of leaders’ power distance.There is no gender difference in leaders’higher power distance.However,there is a gender difference in leaders’lower power distance,that is,the power distance of female leaders is lower than male leaders.This study will promote us to have a deeper understanding of individuals’ cognition for leaders’ power distance.Besides,it will provide advice for present leaders about how to regulate their management models and leadership styles.And it will be useful to improve the relationship between leaders and members.