Last modified: 2017-03-25
Abstract
Abstract
Leadership positions in business organizations are dominated by narcissistic individuals. Initially, the narcissist is viewed as bold, charming, fascinating, confident and attractive. Usually, however, his or her true focus, him or herself, is exposed, precipitating a possible fall from grace. This paper addresses why the narcissist is so interesting and magnetic in the first place, under what environments the narcissist sustains his or her status and alternatively can lead to a descent.  This paper reviews the leader - narcissism relationship and narcissism’s connection to attachment theory, implicit leadership theory, personality and context. Research confirms that narcissism is prevalent among senior business leaders. Initial attraction is related to extraversion and its role in leader emergence. The fall, however, can be triggered by the increasing awareness among subordinates and bosses of the leader’s self-centeredness. However, derailment can be halted if the needs of the followers are met and other factors are present that extinguishes the reasons for the downfall.