Abstract
Although effective leaders are important for reducing employee stress during the COVID-19, limited studies have examined how follower behaviors can influence leader stress and
wellbeing during the COVID-19. This study draws on defeat-entrapment theory to examine how followers’ unclear demands during the COVID-19 consequently impact leaders’
psychological states and wellbeing. We conducted a three-wave time-lagged investigation with a sample of 281 leaders in the United Kingdom and found that followers’ unclear
demands could generate feelings of entrapment in leaders, leading to decreased levels of wellbeing outcomes in leaders. Importantly, we found that leaders who have higher levels of
leadership responsibility during the COVID-19 are likely to feel trapped by followers’ unclear demands. They are also likely to face higher levels of feelings of entrapment and
impaired wellbeing compared with leaders who have lower levels of leadership responsibility. We discuss the implications for theories and practices, as well as directions for
future research.