EVALUATION OF ACCENTED-SPEAKERS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Open Access
Author:
Spiess, Carolina C
Area of Honors:
Psychology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Samuel Todd Hunter, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Susan Mohammed, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
leadership accents crisis subordinate
Abstract:
This study explored the effects of leaders with accented speech and how this speech influences subordinates’ willingness to follow the leader as well as their perceptions of the leader’s task and relationship competence. Previous research suggested that native speaking individuals are preferred over foreign accented individuals, especially in workplace situations and hiring decisions. This study further explored individuals in leadership positions and compared five accents (U.S. American, European, Arab, Hispanic, and Asian) simultaneously. Additionally, the effect of accent on leader perceptions was tested in two contexts: crisis and non-crisis. Surprisingly, the results of this study did not support the hypothesized relationships. Descriptively, there were differences in leader ratings across accents, with explanations for these findings explored. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are also discussed.