Christopher Qian
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Elizabeth Trinh
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Management and Organizations / Business
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 2 – 11am – 11:50am
Room: Breakout Room 6
Authors:
Presenter: 5
Abstract
Past research shows that information sharing is essential for organizations to perform and function (Mesmer-Magnus & DeChurch, 2009). Leaders and higher-ups however, often without information from their subordinates even when this information can be beneficial to their subordinates, especially during times of crisis. In our research, the lab explores the issue of information withholding conducted by leaders, defined as the intentional suppression of information from a subordinate that a leader has on a group, be it contextual or organizational. We aim to explore the types of information that leaders withhold and when and why leaders withhold information, and the effects of a leader withholding information on a group or an organization’s performance. To do so, we have conducted interviews with leaders asking questions regarding information they choose to chare and what they withhold. Our research shows that leaders tend to withhold information relating to negative financial information and that they often believe some information is not relevant to lower level employees. Our findings help add to our understanding of how leaders create a hierarchy of information in relation to power. These differences contribute to future research in categorizing and defining aspects of leadership, information use and effect on subordinates and organizational performance.
Social Sciences
