An idea paper on leadership theory integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to pursue an idea on leadership theory integration which includes two integrative attempts. The first involves three different leadership models (the developmental/transformational leadership model, the authentic leadership model, and the indirect leadership model). The second consists of a suggestion of how this integrated model, in turn, can be integrated into an interactional person‐by‐situation paradigm including a process‐over‐time perspective. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative analysis of the three existing leadership models mentioned above was performed. In the second integrative step, the following concepts were added: individual characteristics (general and stable as well as specific, of importance in a given situation); contextual characteristics (general more stable contextual profile as well as specific contextual profile in a given situation); appraisal and sensemaking processes over time; trust; and psychological capital. Findings – An integrated leadership model is proposed which rests on three explicit hypotheses with two addendums. Empirical support for the suggested model is evaluated. Practical implications – The presented idea may be of value in recruitment and selection, leadership development programmes, and organisational design. Originality/value – The theoretical integration of existing models is new and could act as a conceptual bridge.