Leader Attributions About Subordinates
How a leader acts toward a subordinate varies depending on whether the subordinate is
perceived as competent and loyal, or incompetent and untrustworthy. The assessment of competence
and dependability is based on interpretation of the subordinate’s behavior and performance.
Attribution theory describes the cognitive processes used by leaders to determine the
reasons for effective or ineffective performance and the appropriate reaction (Green & Mitchell,
1979; Martinko & Gardner, 1987; Mitchell, Green, & Wood, 1981; Wood & Mitchell, 1981).