Paradoxical leadership behavior in cross-cultural management: a multidimensional structure, scale development and causal testing

Purpose Currently, the phenomenon of paradoxical leadership behavior in cross-cultural management (PLB-CM) is still in the conceptual and theoretical stage, lacking reliable and valid measurement tools and empirical analysis to substantiate its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the measurement system for assessing PLB-CM. Design/methodology/approach In Study 1, a conceptual framework for PLB-CM was developed using the methodological approach of grounded theory. In Study 2, a measurement scale for assessing PLB-CM was established. In Study 3, using a sample size of 366, this study observed through antecedent and outcome analyses that critical thinking, the value orientation of Zhongyong and cultural intelligence all exerted positive influences on PLB-CM and the positive impact of PLB-CM on task performance and adaptive performance. Findings The findings of this study indicate that the exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent construct validity tests support the PLB-CM scale. Originality/value This study empirically examined a measurement tool for assessing PLB-CM, offering leadership theories and practical insights to address the paradoxes in cross-cultural management.