Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective

Abstract Perfectionism has gained increasing attention from researchers due to its significant impact on work and non-work outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the influence of perfectionism on teams is positive or negative. Our research provides clarity on the group effects of leader other...

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Main Authors: Yamei Liu, Zhaopeng Liu, Danting Chang, Chi Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2025-04-01
Series:Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04565-w
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author Yamei Liu
Zhaopeng Liu
Danting Chang
Chi Zhang
author_facet Yamei Liu
Zhaopeng Liu
Danting Chang
Chi Zhang
author_sort Yamei Liu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Perfectionism has gained increasing attention from researchers due to its significant impact on work and non-work outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the influence of perfectionism on teams is positive or negative. Our research provides clarity on the group effects of leader other-oriented perfectionism. Drawing from the literature on perfectionism and approach-avoidance emotivation theory, we investigate the influence processes (e.g., team affective tones and team performance motivations) and boundary conditions (e.g., team trait resilience) of leader perfectionism on team prosocial behavior and team cheating behavior. Data collected from 152 leaders and 699 employees reveals that leader other-oriented perfectionism positively influences team energy tone, which subsequently enhances team performance approach motivation and facilitates team prosocial behavior. Additionally, leader other-oriented perfectionism positively impacts team anxious tone, which subsequently promotes team performance avoidance motivation and facilitates team cheating behavior. Moreover, team trait resilience strengthens the former chain of processes while weakening the latter. These results shed light on the complex dynamics between leader other-oriented perfectionism, team affective tone, motivation, and ethical behaviors, highlighting the significance of team trait resilience as a boundary condition in these relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.
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spelling doaj-art-9f3fb0b68b154e64b6501b4f018567072025-08-20T03:14:10ZengSpringer NatureHumanities & Social Sciences Communications2662-99922025-04-0112111410.1057/s41599-025-04565-wUnraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspectiveYamei Liu0Zhaopeng Liu1Danting Chang2Chi Zhang3College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Open UniversitySchool of Management, Shandong UniversitySchool of Management, Shandong UniversitySchool of Economics and Management, Tongji UniversityAbstract Perfectionism has gained increasing attention from researchers due to its significant impact on work and non-work outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the influence of perfectionism on teams is positive or negative. Our research provides clarity on the group effects of leader other-oriented perfectionism. Drawing from the literature on perfectionism and approach-avoidance emotivation theory, we investigate the influence processes (e.g., team affective tones and team performance motivations) and boundary conditions (e.g., team trait resilience) of leader perfectionism on team prosocial behavior and team cheating behavior. Data collected from 152 leaders and 699 employees reveals that leader other-oriented perfectionism positively influences team energy tone, which subsequently enhances team performance approach motivation and facilitates team prosocial behavior. Additionally, leader other-oriented perfectionism positively impacts team anxious tone, which subsequently promotes team performance avoidance motivation and facilitates team cheating behavior. Moreover, team trait resilience strengthens the former chain of processes while weakening the latter. These results shed light on the complex dynamics between leader other-oriented perfectionism, team affective tone, motivation, and ethical behaviors, highlighting the significance of team trait resilience as a boundary condition in these relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04565-w
spellingShingle Yamei Liu
Zhaopeng Liu
Danting Chang
Chi Zhang
Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
title Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
title_full Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
title_fullStr Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
title_full_unstemmed Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
title_short Unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics: an emotion-motivation perspective
title_sort unraveling the effects of leader perfectionism on team dynamics an emotion motivation perspective
url https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04565-w
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