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Leaders in disguise: power, perception, and paradox – economics and the fragile authority of politicians

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  • Dumitru Alexandru BODISLAV

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania)

  • Raluca Iuliana GEORGESCU

    (B & Associates, Romania)

Abstract

In the context of political leadership, this paper investigates the psychological phenomena of the Dunning-Kruger Effect (DKE) and Impostor Syndrome. It examines the impact of these two cognitive fallacies on the performance, decision-making, and behaviour of politicians. DKE causes less competent politicians to exaggerate their abilities, frequently resulting in poor decision-making and policy errors, while Impostor Syndrome causes highly competent politicians to doubt their abilities, attributing their success to external factors. The paper also explores the implications of these phenomena for political communication, leadership, and governance, particularly in environments that are characterized by high public scrutiny and media pressure. It also investigates the ways in which these cognitive prejudices can be amplified by political marketing and digital platforms, thereby affecting electoral outcomes and voter behaviour. Ultimately, the research underscores the necessity of political leaders exhibiting a higher degree of humility and selfawareness to promote more effective decision-making and governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Dumitru Alexandru BODISLAV & Raluca Iuliana GEORGESCU, 2024. "Leaders in disguise: power, perception, and paradox – economics and the fragile authority of politicians," Theoretical and Applied Economics, Asociatia Generala a Economistilor din Romania / Editura Economica, vol. 0(4(641), W), pages 279-296, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:agr:journl:v:xxxi:y:2024:i:4(641):p:279-296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huddy, Leonie & Mason, Lilliana & Aarøe, Lene, 2015. "Expressive Partisanship: Campaign Involvement, Political Emotion, and Partisan Identity," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 109(1), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Charles S. Taber & Milton Lodge, 2006. "Motivated Skepticism in the Evaluation of Political Beliefs," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 50(3), pages 755-769, July.
    3. Dumitru Alexandru BODISLAV & Raluca Iuliana GEORGESCU & Ionuț-Valeriu ANDREI & Dan Cezar OSICEANU, 2023. "Modern leadership communication and strategic lobbying," Theoretical and Applied Economics, Asociatia Generala a Economistilor din Romania / Editura Economica, vol. 0(3(636), A), pages 219-230, Autumn.
    4. Dumitru Alexandru BODISLAV & Raluca Iuliana GEORGESCU, 2023. "A sustainable and resilient socio-economic paradigm through corporate governance intervention," Theoretical and Applied Economics, Asociatia Generala a Economistilor din Romania / Editura Economica, vol. 0(4(637), W), pages 77-82, Winter.
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