Relating Leadership and Credibility

Using responses (N = 998) from their subordinates, the relationship between leadership and credibility was examined. All three dimensions of credibility (trustworthiness, expertise, and dynamism) were significantly correlated with five behavioral practices of leaders (challenging the process, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart) as identified by Kouzes and Posner (1987). Implications for leaders are discussed.