The “As-If” Leadership Model: A Conceptualization and Scale Development Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to conceptualize the notion of “As-If Leadership” which, despite being frequently observed as a practical phenomenon in leadership literature, has yet to be systematically defined in terms of its theoretical framework and empirical boundaries, and to develop a scientific tool to measure this construct. The research is based on the behavioural patterns of managers who occupy leadership positions but lack the competence, self-awareness, and responsibility required for this role; managers who use leadership solely as a symbolic representation, status, and image tool. In the first phase of the study, designed using a mixed research design, the theoretical dimensions of the concept were constructed through thematic analysis and in-depth interviews conducted on 430 academic publications in the leadership literature. In the second phase, Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were applied to data collected from 671 employees working in different sectors across Turkey. The findings confirmed that the “As-If leadership” structure exhibits a unique pattern consisting of a combination of high leadership aspiration, low leadership skills, and low self-awareness. The developed 32-item scale has been added to the literature with a high Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.892 and strong validity values. The study reveals that this profile differs from dark types such as narcissistic or destructive leadership, triggering mechanisms of “passive destruction” and “unintentional harm” that develop independently of intent. Consequently, the research fills a critical gap in both theoretical and practical fields by emphasizing that candidate selection and development processes should focus not only on motivational desires but also on the balance of skills and awareness.

Keywords: As If Leadership, Latent Profile Analysis, Leadership Awareness, Leadership Skills, Scale Development

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007581