OVERCONFIDENCE AND NARCISSISM IN LEADERSHIP ACROSS GENDERS

Abstract

Leadership plays an important role in the success of organizations. Individuals in organizations constantly seek to enhance their career trajectory and reach top leadership positions. In doing so, they might use attributes such as narcissism and overconfidence to help them reach the top. This study has explored the role overconfidence and narcissism play (if any) in helping these individuals reach leadership positions. In addition to that, the magnitude of narcissism and overconfidence displayed by female leaders is also studied because of the assumption that most CEOs are men. For this study, a qualitative method has been adopted and data is collected through semi structured interviews. The data is collected from both men and women holding a strategic level leadership position in organizations. Results of the study add to the current body of literature by uncovering several factors and implications that had not been mentioned in literature before.