4.7 Leader Self-Identity (LSI)
The intended purpose of the instrument is to assess the extent to which individuals perceive themselves as leaders and identify with the leadership role. The three domains measured by the instrument are: descriptiveness, importance, and certainty. The test is typically administered to individuals in authority positions within organizations and subordinates. This may include executives, managers, team leaders, supervisors.
The instrument was developed by Nathan J. Hiller in 2005 for his doctoral dissertation. The instrument consists of four statements about leader self-perception, and respondents rate the extent to which these statements apply to them using a 7-point Likert scale. For example, test takers are asked to rate the extent to which the following statements describe them:
I am a leader
I see myself as a leader
If I had to describe myself to others, I would include the “leader”
I prefer being seen by others as a leader.
In Lori K. Pyle’s dissertation study (2013), the instrument showed good internal consistency with alpha coefficients ranging from .83 to .93. Typical limitations of such instruments may include potential biases in self-reporting, generalizability to diverse contexts, and the need for further validation across different populations and settings.
Access
The instrument can be downloaded for free via the Penn State University Libraries website: https://etda.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/6836. Prior to usage, permission from the author may be necessary.
References
Hiller, N. J. (2005). An examination of leadership beliefs and leadership self-identity: Constructs, correlates, and outcomes [Doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University]. https://etda.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/6836
Pyle, L. K. (2013). Changes in leadership self-efficacy, leader identity, capacity for socially responsible leadership, and curiosity due to a structured leader development program [Doctoral dissertation, James Madison University]. JMU Scholarly Commons. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1113&context=diss201019
