The power of leader attention: leader gaze equalizes hierarchies and improves team performance

Abstract

Status inequality based on race in racially diverse groups has long been a serious problem in society and organizations; yet very little research has investigated ways of diminishing this status inequality, even in small groups where this inequality can undermine knowledge transfer and performance. I investigate the impact of a leader’s nonverbal behavior (i.e., unequal visual attention) on status hierarchy and team performance in racially diverse groups. I show that when a White leader gave more positive attention to a Black group member than to a White group member, status inequality based on race was attenuated, leading group members to have positive attitudes toward their team and to communicate openly, ultimately producing better team performance. Importantly, the effects emerged only when the leader was White. Theoretical and practical implications for leadership, racial diversity, status, and group dynamics are discussed.