Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel Piferi

Keywords

perfectionism, leadership, employee outcomes, performance, employee engagement

Disciplines

Business | Psychology

Abstract

Research shows perfectionism to be a multidimensional trait, yielding both positive and negative results. Given its evolving nature and impact, perfectionism is becoming more widely researched and an important trait to study. Multidimensional perfectionism, in its positive side, refers to striving towards excellence, whereas in its negatives side refers to a concern of failure. Today, multidimensional perfectionism research focuses more on the individual and interpersonal consequences of the trait with less focus on the workplace consequences of performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dyadic relationship of leader’s perfectionism and employee outcomes. This study used a quantitative, hierarchical multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between leader perfectionism and task and contextual performance and counterproductive work behavior. This study also examined the mediator of employee engagement. Data was collected through self-survey measures of the employee, as they perceive their leader’s perfectionism, and their own engagement and performance. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis revealed leader perfectionistic concerns to be associated with employee performance, in that when perfectionistic concerns increase, employee counterproductive work behavior increases. Further, results of the PROCESS 4 mediation analysis indicated employee engagement to not significantly mediate the relationship between leader perfectionism and employee performance.

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