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Pygmalion and Employee Learning: The Role of Leader Behaviors

Tilburg University, the Netherlands, x.m.bezuijen{at}prokino.nl

Peter T. van den Berg

Tilburg University, the Netherlands

Karen van Dam

Tilburg University, the Netherlands

Henk Thierry

Tilburg University, the Netherlands

The aim of this study was to investigate which leader behaviors mediate the relationship between leader expectations and employee engagement in learning activities. Based on Rosenthal’s Pygmalion model, five potential mediators of the Pygmalion effect were distinguished: leader—member exchange relationship, goal setting (i.e., goal specificity, goal difficulty), providing learning opportunities, and feedback. Data from 904 manager—subordinate dyads in six organizations showed that leader expectations were related to employee engagement in learning activities. Goal specificity, goal difficulty, and providing learning opportunities proved to be mediators. These findings suggest that goal setting lies at the heart of the Pygmalion effect.

Key Words: Pygmalion • leadership • employee learning • goal-setting • LMX

This version was published on October 1, 2009

Journal of Management, Vol. 35, No. 5, 1248-1267 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0149206308329966


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